A high-ranking official in the Food and Drug Administration was among 10 men arrested July 13 in a soliciting prostitution sting in North Laurel, reports FDAWeb.com.

Dr. William Maisel, deputy director for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, is facing four charges of soliciting prostitution after Howard County police conducted an undercover sting in North Laurel.

Howard County police said Maisel approached a plain-clothed female police officer and offered money for sex.

Maisel, who is scheduled to appear in Howard County District Court on Sept. 20, is the deputy director and chief scientist of the CDRH, which has come under scrutiny for allegedly spying on employees and firing whistleblowers, according to the New York Times.

The alleged surveillance also led to a list of "targets" who had a history of criticizing the FDA, and the list ranged from reporters to Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and President Obama, reports the Times.

FDA officials defended the surveillance as being limited to five scientists, in order to determine whether confidential documents about medical device safety were being leaked, according to the Times.

Patch visited the Kensington residence listed for Maisel in court documents, but the only occupant of the house denied any connection to Maisel and refused to comment on the solicitation charges.

Erica Jefferson, spokesperson for the FDA, said she could not comment on the solicitation charges against Maisel.