CRIME WATCH DAILY EXCLUSIVE

Jennifer Madison with reporting by Rebecca Waer

LOS ANGELES -- (December 29, 2015) -- "Glee" actor Mark Salling was charged Tuesday with possession of child pornography after the Los Angeles Police Department's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Unit served a search warrant at his Sunland, California home and placed him under arrest.

Police used a battering ram to force entry into Salling’s residence Tuesday morning. Authorities say when they knocked on the door, announced their presence and called out Salling’s name he did not answer. The owner of the home confirmed to authorities the front door is broken.

Police sources tell “Crime Watch Daily” "hundreds" of images were found on one of Salling's personal devices during the search.

Salling’s computer and other electronic devices were also seized after he refused to share his passwords with authorities, sources tell “Crime Watch Daily.” Investigators are now searching for further images on the devices.

Salling was in custody at the LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles at the time of publication.

His bail was set at $20,000.

This isn't Salling's first public scandal. In 2013 he was sued by an ex-girlfriend alleging sexual battery. Salling was ordered to pay the plaintiff a $2.7 million settlement in that case.

Police sources say Tuesday’s bust was in the works for up to two weeks after authorities received a tip. The LAPD continued its investigation amid concerns it was part of a revenge plot but authorities eventually obtained a search warrant, leading to Salling’s arrest.

Police sources will not confirm the identity of the individual who tipped them off but tell “Crime Watch Daily” it is not the individual involved in the sexual battery case.

“Crime Watch Daily” has reached out to Salling’s representatives for comment but has not yet heard back.

Salling is best-known for his role as Noah "Puck" Puckerman on the hit television series “Glee,” which aired its season finale in March 2015.

UPDATE [3:33 p.m. PT]: Salling was released on bail at 2:26 p.m. PT. His first court appearance is scheduled for January 22.