A Washington, D.C., police lieutenant was arrested in Maryland and charged with sexual solicitation of a minor, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

Records show that 47-year-old Lt. Matthew Mahl was arrested by deputies on Tuesday. He also faces charges of soliciting child pornography.

According to charging documents, Mahl tried to meet up with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old boy for sexual activity.

A judge ordered Mahl to be held without bail Wednesday. Mahl’s attorney didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department, Mahl was placed on administrative leave, and his police powers were revoked after Harford County Sheriff’s officials contacted MPD’s Internal Affairs Division about the arrest.

“The allegations in this case are extremely disturbing, and in direct contrast with the values of the Metropolitan Police Department,” officials said in a statement.

MPD officials said they were not aware of or involved in the initial investigation. Following the criminal investigation, MPD’s Internal Affairs Division will investigate to determine if Mahl violated any department policies.

Mahl served as chairman of the D.C. Fraternal Order of Police for one term, between 2016 and 2018. In 2017, union members tried and failed to have him removed as chairman.

Details revealed in charging documents, bail hearing

During a bail hearing Wednesday, prosecutors called Mahl a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” describing him as someone who should be keeping children safe, not preying on them online.

“It’s just awful,” said Amanda Rodriguez, CEO of the rape crisis organization Turnaround. “These are individuals that the kids should be able to put their trust in. So it’s not just a tragedy, it really is a horrific tragedy when we think about the impact that this could have on young people trusting those that they really often need to for their own safety.”

According to charging documents, an undercover sergeant with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office was posing online as a teen boy named Nate when he connected with Mahl in a Reddit chat.

“Through conversation, Nate’s age of 15 and the fact that he was young and inexperienced was brought up numerous times and furthermore, this was acknowledged by Matt on multiple occasions,” charging documents read.

The two allegedly spoke on Reddit and over text for roughly a month, with Mahl sending sexually explicit photos and messages.

Charging documents explain that Mahl disclosed his position in the police department to Nate, stating, “He could get in trouble, but that Nate wouldn’t, as he was a ‘child,’” and adding, “I have it all to lose.”

“Every time that something like this happens with a law enforcement officer, it degrades the trust that people have in these authorities, these institutions, that they should absolutely be able to put their trust in,” said Rodriguez.

Mahl was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly traveled to Harford County to meet with the supposed 15-year-old.

On Wednesday, prosecutors argued that people like Mahl are the most dangerous because “these are some of the types of crimes you can do from the comfort of your own home,” which is why the judge decided to hold him without bond.

“We need to hold folks in law enforcement and, again, in these other higher areas of authority to a level to ensure that that trust is always able to be there," said Rodriguez.

Mahl is set to appear in court again in May, records show.

WJZ is a media partner of The Banner. See the original report.