Former Netanyahu security official arrested in US for sending inappropriate messages to minor

A security official connected to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a former chairman of the Washington DC police union has been reportedly arrested in the United States for allegedly trying to meet a minor for sexual activity.

47-year-old Matthew Mahl was arrested mid-April after investigators accused him of sending sexually explicit messages and photographs to someone he believed was a 15-year-old boy, as per reports. The person was actually an undercover detective from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

Harford County Sheriff’s Office

According to court documents, Mahl used Reddit to communicate with an undercover officer for nearly one month. During the conversations, the detective repeatedly mentioned that he was underage and inexperienced. Prosecutors said Mahl understood that the person was a minor but continued the conversations anyway.

Investigators reportedly said Mahl later arranged to travel to Harford County to meet the teenager for sexual activity. Deputies arrested him after he arrived at the planned meeting location.

Charging documents reportedly stated that Mahl spoke openly about his role in policing during the online conversations. As per reports, investigators said he admitted ‘he could get in trouble’ while the teenager would not because he was a child.

Authorities charged Mahl with sexual solicitation of a minor and solicitation of child pornography. A judge ordered that he remain in custody without bail.