A Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lieutenant has been arrested in Maryland and charged with sexual solicitation of a minor and solicitation of child pornography following an undercover investigation, according to law enforcement officials and court records.
Authorities say 47-year-old Lt. Matthew Mahl was taken into custody in Harford County after allegedly attempting to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old boy for sexual activity.
Charging documents state the investigation began when Mahl, who is the city’s first openly gay chairman of the police union, connected with an undercover Harford County sheriff’s deputy posing as a teenage boy on Reddit.
Over several weeks, investigators say that Mahl engaged in explicit conversations, sent sexually explicit images of himself, and continued communicating despite repeated references to the individual’s age.
Authorities say the exchanges escalated as Mahl allegedly requested explicit material and arranged an in-person meeting.
According to court filings, Mahl identified himself as a D.C. police lieutenant during the exchanges and disclosed details about his role.
Investigators allege he acknowledged the risk of being caught, telling the undercover account he could “lose everything,” while continuing the communication.
He allegedly sent images of himself in uniform as well as explicit photos taken inside a police office, according to NBC Washington.
Law enforcement officials say Mahl traveled to Harford County to meet the individual he believed was a minor and was arrested upon arrival.
He faces multiple charges, including solicitation of a minor and solicitation of child pornography. During a bail hearing, prosecutors described the alleged conduct as deliberate and sustained, according to CBS News.
A judge ordered Mahl held without bond, citing the seriousness of the allegations. Court records show he is scheduled to appear again in May as proceedings continue.
MPD officials confirmed that Mahl has been placed on administrative leave and that his police powers have been revoked.
In a statement, the department said it was not aware of the investigation prior to the arrest and was not involved in the undercover operation.
“The allegations in this case are extremely disturbing, and in direct contrast to the values of the Metropolitan Police Department,” officials said, adding that an internal review will follow the criminal case.
Mahl has served with the department for more than two decades and previously held leadership roles, including serving as chairman of the D.C. Fraternal Order of Police from 2016 to 2018.
According to The Baltimore Banner, prosecutors described him during the hearing as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” arguing that individuals in positions of authority are expected to uphold the law.
The arrest comes as the MPD has faced recent scrutiny over internal practices and leadership decisions, according to prior reporting.
Former Police Chief Pamela Smith stepped down in December following allegations related to crime data reporting, while Commander Michael Pulliam was suspended in July amid similar concerns. Those developments have added to ongoing questions about transparency and oversight within the department.
Advocates say cases involving law enforcement officials can have broader consequences for public trust.
Amanda Rodriguez, CEO of the rape crisis organization Turnaround, said incidents like this can have lasting impacts on confidence in institutions.
“These are individuals that the kids should be able to put their trust in,” she said.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare for the next phase of the case, which is expected to draw continued attention given the nature of the charges and the defendant’s role within the department.
