BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A former Bakersfield police detective accused of sexually exploiting a minor and receiving child pornography rejected a plea deal on Wednesday, according to a court filing.
Marc Lugo had a hearing in federal court in Fresno at which he turned down a plea offer — the details of which weren’t including in the filing.
Another hearing was set for Feb. 10, with a trial date scheduled in May at the request of defense counsel. Lugo is represented by attorneys David A. Torres and Alekxia Torres Stallings.
Lugo is accused of encouraging a then-15-year-old girl in South Carolina to send him sexually explicit material in online conversations that began in September 2023. Their interactions occurred while he was a detective in BPD’s special victims unit.
He allegedly gave the teen instructions on how to pose, and told her to hold pieces of paper stating her age and derogatory comments.
A federal grand jury indicted Lugo in November. He’s no longer employed by Bakersfield Police Department.
Last month, Lugo’s wife, also a detective with BPD, filed a claim against the city seeking $8 million, accusing local law enforcement agencies of violating her rights and sexually harassing her in retaliation for staying with her husband. BPD and the city have declined comment on the pending litigation.
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