D.C. Police Lieutenant Charged with Seeking Sex with Minor

Matthew Mahl, a 23-year veteran, was arrested in Maryland after allegedly exchanging explicit messages with an undercover detective posing as a teenage boy.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the serious and gritty nature of the crime.A police lieutenant's alleged attempt to solicit a minor online exposes the dark underbelly of law enforcement misconduct.La Plata Today

Matthew Mahl, a lieutenant in the D.C. police department and former head of the D.C. police union, was arrested in Maryland and charged with sexual solicitation of a minor and soliciting child pornography. Mahl allegedly exchanged sexual messages and explicit images with an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy. D.C. police have placed Mahl on administrative leave and revoked his policing powers.

Why it matters

The allegations against Mahl, a high-ranking police officer, are extremely serious and undermine public trust in law enforcement. The case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating online predators who seek to exploit minors.

The details

According to charging documents, Mahl began exchanging messages with an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy on a Reddit page called 'r/GayYoungOldDating.' Mahl allegedly acknowledged his identity as a D.C. police lieutenant and sent explicit photos, including one taken from his work office. The two planned to meet in person, at which point Mahl was detained by police.

  • On March 31, Mahl allegedly sent a 'sexually suggestive photo' from the couch in his work office.
  • On April 14, Mahl took the day off work to meet the fictional teen, but was detained by police upon arrival.

The players

Matthew Mahl

A 47-year-old lieutenant in the D.C. police department and former head of the D.C. police union, who was charged with sexual solicitation of a minor and soliciting child pornography.

Christopher Sergent

A Harford County Sheriff's Office detective who posed as a 15-year-old boy in order to investigate Mahl's alleged solicitation.

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What’s next

Mahl is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 15.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating online predators who seek to exploit minors, even among those in positions of public trust and authority.