D.C. Police Officer Charged in Child Sex Sting
posted 4:15 pm Thu December 20, 2007 - Washington
Thirty-nine-year-old Kenneth L. Longerbeam appeared in U.S. District Court in D.C. on Thursday to face charges of attempted enticement of a minor.
The criminal complaint alleges the cooperating witness and Officer Longerbeam exchanged numerous text messages Tuesday night discussing details of the planned sexual encounter. Longerbeam used to live in College Park, where former neighbor Sean Schoonover was troubled by the allegations.
"He came off a little odd to me," said Schoonover. "He's in his 30's. It's not right. A grown man should know."
Officer Longerbeam has been on the force for 11 years. In December 2005 he was awarded an achievement medal, which is given to employees who bring great credit to the police department.
The MPD placed Longerbeam on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of his case. A D.C. police spokesperson said the department has no information to indicate that Officer Longerbeam had any inappropriate or substantial contact with minors while on duty.
"Officer Longerbeam is innocent until proven guilty," said Police Chief Cathy Lanier in a statement. "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."
Longerbeam is being held in protective custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 6.
Latest Comment on D.C. Police Officer Charged in Child Sex Sting
guesswhat
11:35 am on 12/22/07
Diplomat these things have been happening ages, and I will bet way before I was born in my 40 years of existence. Since the media have more sophisicated ways of sharing and getting information out, it only seems more prevelant.
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