First openly gay head of DC police union charged with trying to engage with underage boy

Metropolitan Police Officer Arrested in Child Exploitation Case

A veteran officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has been taken into custody in what officials have referred to as a deeply troubling situation involving child exploitation. Lt. Matthew Mahr, 47, once the head of the D.C. police union, is under indictment for allegedly exchanging messages with an undercover detective from Maryland, who posed as a 15-year-old boy.

This incident marks a significant decline for Mahr, who served for over two decades in various leadership positions and managed security at major events in Washington, D.C., including presidential escorts.

The MPD expressed serious concerns about the charges, stating, “These allegations are extremely worrying and clash with the values of the Metropolitan Police Department.”

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) arrested Mahr last Tuesday. Court documents reveal that he is charged with sexual solicitation of a minor and solicitation of child pornography.

According to the documents, Mahr had communicated with an individual in a Reddit community called “r/GayYoungOldDating,” believing he was chatting with a teenager. In fact, this person was an undercover agent.

Over a few weeks, Mahr allegedly sent a range of sexually explicit messages, including inappropriate photos taken while in police uniform. Reports indicate he asked the supposed boy for explicit pictures, while also acknowledging the age difference and waiting for the boy to turn 16, which is the age of consent.

Mahr was arrested during a planned meeting, which was meant to take place after school. Following his arrest, he has been placed on administrative leave, and his law enforcement powers have been revoked as the case unfolds. While the department stated that it is not involved in the criminal investigations, they are unaware of the specifics that led to Mahr’s arrest.

Mayor Muriel Bowser commented on the situation during a press conference, noting her lack of prior knowledge about the allegations but emphasizing that they do not want anyone associated with such behaviors on the police force.