An Oklahoma City police lieutenant was arrested last week after evidence in an unrelated case indicated that he was involved in criminal activity.
According to reports, an Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics investigation into prostitution led to the arrest of Kiana Mungi, 21. Investigators say the woman placed numerous online ads, and she was arrested after taking money from an undercover officer in exchange for sexual favors. Mungi was arrested on complaints of prostitution and violation of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act by using a computer to violate state law.
During the investigation of Mungi, investigators found evidence that a 10-year-veteran of the Oklahoma City police force had responded to Mungi's ads.
FBI agents conducting the vice sting reportedly found communication on Mungi's cell phone that indicated illegal activity by Lt. Alex Edwards, 36, a patrol officer with the department's Hefner Division. According to reports, Edwards had texted Mungi in order to set up meeting to engage in prostitution. Additionally, cell phone evidence seems to indicate that the officer tipped off the prostitute by giving her specific information about the FBI vice investigation. Despite his alleged warnings to help her avoid arrest, Mungi was arrested by OBN agents, who discovered the police lieutenant's text messages and notified Oklahoma City police.
He was arrested on complaints of conspiracy to commit a felony, obstruction of justice, aiding prostitution, and using a computer to violate state statutes. The officer, who has reportedly never been under investigation before, was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail and released on $50,000 bond. Oklahoma City Police say Edwards has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest.
Oklahoma City Police Capt. Paco Balderrama says the vice investigation into their accused lieutenant is being conducted by the FBI. Edwards has not yet been formally charged, but he could face both state and federal charges related to the case.
Image credit: Keith Allison
For more information visit our homepage at Phillips & Associates.
