HOUSTON – Here's a warning parents are going to want to pay attention to.
A former Houston Fire Department paramedic allegedly swapped nude photos with a 12-year-old girl using a popular instant messenger app.
Ruperto Martinez is accused of using the Kik messenger app to swap nude photos with minors.
Martinez, 47, worked at Houston Fire Station 93, but he has since been relieved of duty.
Martinez is accused of swapping nude photos with a girl in Johnson County, Iowa, who at the time was 12 years old.
Two years ago, the pair allegedly started to talk and exchange naked pictures using the app.
Authorities in Iowa made the discovery when they examined the teen's cell phone.
According to court documents, Martinez told investigators when they first met the young girl wanted to always "play house," but he wasn't into fantasizing. Martinez also said he remembered her talking about having babies and that he thought she was weird.
At one point, Martinez said he felt bad about receiving the nude images, and did not think it was OK.
Police said Martinez claimed the teen never told him her age.
Court papers said he thought she was 17 years old, based on conversations they had about school.
According to court documents, Martinez also said he chatted with other minors on the app, sharing nude photos with them as well.
Martinez said he deleted the images after receiving them because the girls were too young.
Martinez is charged with possession of child pornography, online solicitation of a minor and sexual performance by minor.
HFD released the following statement:
"We take charges like these very seriously. The Houston Fire Department will continue to take the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public while providing whatever resources are necessary in this investigation."