A high-ranking Houston police officer is on the other side of a jail cell after investigators say he tried to meet a teenage girl who turned out to be an undercover detective, according to authorities.
Quoc Viet Ngo, 50, an HPD lieutenant, was arrested Friday after the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office said he drove to a location expecting to meet a 15-year-old girl for sex.
Investigators said the case began when Ngo was talking with an undercover detective posing online as a teenage girl and sent sexually explicit images.
In a statement, HPD said Ngo was sworn into the department in 2003 and has been assigned to the Airport—Hobby Division. The department also confirmed it assisted Precinct One with the investigation, as well as the arrest, and fired the former lieutenant.
“This is an ongoing investigation and no other details will be released,” the department added.
In a statement, Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen said the case is a reminder that no one is above the law.
“Everyone is equal under the law and we appreciate the Houston Police Department’s active cooperation this case,” he said. “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.”
Ngo is now facing charges for online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison. Authorities are also asking anyone who may have information about the case to contact investigators.