The Metropolitan Police Department announced today than an MPD officer is facing federal charges for allegedly exchanging text messages for the purpose of Attempting to Entice a Minor.

At approximately 7AM. on Wednesday, December 19, 2007, members from the department’s Youth Investigations Division and agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested 39-year-old Kenneth Lee Longerbeam of the 3700 block of Patterson Avenue in Gwynn Oak, Maryland.  Mr. Longerbeam was arrested without incident in the area of the 100 block of 12th Street, SE.

This arrest was the result of a joint investigation conducted by members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit from the department’s Youth Investigations Division in conjunction with the “Innocent Images” program of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

“Officer Longerbeam is innocent until proven guilty,” said Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier.  “If these allegations are found to be true, Officer Longerbeam’s tenure at MPD will certainly be called into question.  Any action by my officers that betray the trust of the community is an embarrassment to the Department and will not be tolerated.”

Mr. Longerbeam is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.   

Kenneth Lee Longerbeam is a 11-year-member of the Metropolitan Police Department who is currently assigned to the Fourth District. His police powers have been revoked and he has currently been placed on Administrative Leave with Pay pending the outcome of this case.