HOUSTON – A Houston Police Department lieutenant is charged with online solicitation of a minor after allegedly sending explicit messages, photos and trying to meet up with someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl, but turned out to be an undercover detective.
Lt. Quocviet Ky Ngo, 50, is assigned to HPD’s Hobby Airport Division and was arrested as part of an operation targeting online predators. He has since been relieved of duty. KPRC 2 News reporter Corley Peel reviewed the search warrant and spoke with Ngo’s attorney.
The search warrant reveals what investigators say was found on Ngo’s phone, which he allegedly used to send explicit messages and photos through an undisclosed app under the username “CoolTown.”
According to the warrant, Ngo allegedly told the undercover detective, “I’m a little nervous, R U really 15?” Investigators say the messages continued, including, “Can you handle someone older than you?” and “If you get pregnant by me, then I will marry you.”
A major break in the case came when Ngo allegedly sent an explicit photo of himself. Investigators matched the photo to a KPRC 2 News story that showed officers receiving donated rain boots.
After allegedly arranging to meet the girl for sex, Ngo reportedly showed up in his unmarked Houston Police Department vehicle. He was taken into custody by officers using his own handcuffs.
Records show investigators found candy, condoms, his service belt and alcohol in his car.
Despite the evidence outlined in the search warrant, Ngo’s attorney, Dick DeGuerin, maintains his client is innocent and says the operation amounted to entrapment.
“It’s entrapment from the beginning. When you set traps, you’re likely to get innocent people in the traps and that’s what happened here,” DeGuerin said.
When Corley asked why he believes the case is a setup, DeGuerin said, “Because I’ve seen what the evidence is. I’ve read the warrants. I know what they say. It doesn’t change my mind at all. This was a setup.”
While the teen in this case turned out to be an undercover detective, experts warn that real children face these dangers every day. Dr. Brian Gibson of the Children’s Assessment Center urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s devices and watch for warning signs.
“They’re really listening for vulnerabilities, asking about friends and relationships so that they could find an entry point on how to play up and get those kids somewhere where they shouldn’t be,” Gibson said.
Ngo’s next court date is May 21.