Officer charged with soliciting sex

PHILADELPHIA. A veteran police officer is free on bail after being charged with soliciting sex from minors.

Officer Adrian Makuch, 49, a crime scene investigator, is accused of making contact with a 15-year-old boy in the Northeast last summer and trying to lure him into his vehicle. The boy refused, but allegedly saw the officer several more times and filed a complaint last December.

Police then launched a sting operation, including coordination with other agencies and surveillance of Makuch, which revealed an “alarming and disturbing pattern,” according to Internal Affairs Chief Inspector Anthony DiLacqua.

DiLacqua said that Makuch, a 21-year veteran, also made contact with an undercover officer who he thought was a 17-year-old. He allegedly exchanged text messages and solicited the officer for sex.

Police said they are unsure how Makuch found the 15-year-old, and that he may have had contact with other minors.

“I don’t know of a relationship between Makuch and the 15-year-old, other than Makuch soliciting him,” DiLacqua said.

Makuch had a preliminary hearing yesterday and bail was set at $20,000. He posted 10 percent bail and was released, but has been suspended for 30 days with the intent to dismiss.

Makuch could not be reached for comment.