A Bakersfield police detective is facing child sex charges.

Kern County Sheriff’s investigators say Marc Lugo, 35, is accused of communicating online with a 15-year-old girl in South Carolina, encouraging her to send him explicit photos.

Sheriff’s deputies served a search warrant Monday at Lugo’s home in northwest Bakersfield after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Terry says Lugo has been placed on administrative leave while KCSO conducts a criminal investigation. Terry says BPD will review its policies and procedures in light of the allegations against Lugo.

Lugo is a 13-year veteran of BPD who faces charges of contacting a minor for sex and possessing obscene material involving a child.

His first court hearing is set for May 7.