WACO, Texas — A former Waco police officer who used to investigate sex crimes was arrested on a prostitution charge for a second time.
Willy Rafael Lopez was arrested earlier this week after the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office said he showed up at a hotel to meet who he thought was a prostitute.
Detective Joseph Scaramucci said Lopez responded to an ad he posted online offering sex in exchange for money.
Lopez was arrested when he arrived at the hotel with the agreed-upon fee, according to the sheriff's office.
Scaramucci also arrested Lopez on the same charge in 2018.
During the 2018 sting operation, Lopez had again responded to an undercover ad and agreed to meet to exchange sexual intercourse for a fee. Upon arriving at the agreed-upon location, Lopez spotted the two detectives and fled in his vehicle.
According to the probable cause statement, Lopez then messaged the undercover detective to prove he wasn't with law enforcement, he was later arrested after continuing contact and arranging to meet the believed prostitute.
Scaramucci had obtained a search warrant for Lopez's home and cell phone; according to the 2018 affidavit for a search warrant, in which he found further evidence of prostitution including video footage.
At that time, Lopez was a Waco police officer who investigated crimes related to prostitution and human trafficking.
Lopez was released from his second arrest on Tuesday with a bond set at $3,000.
