BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — A Bakersfield Police Department detective pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and receiving child pornography.
Detective Marc Lugo appeared in federal court where he entered his plea to the charges stemming from allegations he contacted a 15-year-old girl in South Carolina through social media.
According to court documents, Lugo allegedly asked the minor to send him sexually explicit material. A federal prosecutor said Lugo gave her instructions on how to pose for the photos.
Lugo was released from custody under a string of conditions and did not have to post bail.
He is currently on paid administrative leave from the Bakersfield Police Department, where he works as a detective in the Special Victims Unit.
His next court hearing is scheduled for January in federal court in Fresno.
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