A South Miami Police detective who served as a coordinator for the department's explorer program and is facing multiple child pornography charges was back in court Thursday where a date was set in his trial.
Det. Joe Mendez is facing eight charges of child pornography and four counts of giving alcohol to minors following his arrest in September.
Mendez was the coordinator of the Explorers Program from 2009 until last year. The program gives young people a behind the scenes look at careers in law enforcement.
The South Miami Police Department requested that FDLE investigate Mendez in June 2014 after a fellow explorer program adviser filed a complaint of misconduct, authorities said.
According to the arrest report, Mendez had inappropriate interactions with underage female cadets. Those interactions included allegations of asking the teens to flash their breasts and drink wine with him, the report said.
Investigators said they also found numerous photos of underage women on his cell phone, some involved in sexual activity. Mendez bonded out soon after his arrest and had no comment for reporters. His bond had been set at $42,000.
His trial is now set for January 11.
