HPD lieutenant arrested after sending explicit images, soliciting minor, Harris Co. Pct. 1 says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A Houston Police Department Lieutenant was arrested for sending explicit sexual images to an undercover detective posing as a teenage girl, according to Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen.

Fifty-year-old HPD Lt. Quoc Viet Ngo was arrested as he drove to the home of a person he thought was a 15-year-old girl, Rosen said on Friday afternoon.

Ngo was charged as part of a joint investigation led by the Precinct One Constable's Office's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit in cooperation with the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, according to Rosen.

"Everyone is equal under the law and we appreciate the Houston Police Department's active cooperation this case," Rosen said in a Facebook post. "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."

In a statement, HPD said Ngo was relieved of duty:

"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."

According to Rosen, the online solicitation of a minor is a second-degree felony that can carry prison time anywhere from two to 20 years.

Pct. 1 said anyone who knows of inappropriate behavior by Ngo with children is urged to call them at 713-222-4929.