HOUSTON – A Houston Police Department lieutenant has been arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor following an undercover investigation, authorities said.
Lt. Quoc Viet Ngo, 50, was taken into custody Friday after investigators say he sent sexually explicit images to a person he believed was a 15-year-old girl, who was actually an undercover detective.
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According to officials, Ngo was arrested as he drove to a home where he believed he would meet the teen for sexual activity.
The charge, a second-degree felony, carries a punishment ranging from two to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The case was opened after a joint investigation led by the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, which works alongside the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
“Everyone is equal under the law and we appreciate the Houston Police Department’s active cooperation in this case,” Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen said in a statement. “This is a reminder that child predators come from all parts of society and we will never stop doing all we can to protect children.”
HPD released the following statement:
| “HPD was notified of an investigation involving one of our employees by the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office – Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. Our department assisted with the investigation and subsequent arrest of Lieutenant Quoc Viet Ngo. He was arrested for Online Solicitation of a Minor and has been relieved of duty. Ngo is currently assigned to the Airport – Hobby Division and was sworn in as an officer in December 2003. This is an ongoing investigation and no other details will be released." |
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Authorities are asking anyone who may have information about inappropriate behavior involving the defendant and children to contact the Precinct One Constable’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at 713-222-4929.