Predators I’ve Caught with Chris Hansen

Larry William Hayes is an alleged predator caught in a Polk County, Florida investigation of Takedown with Chris Hansen. At the time of the sting, Hayes had been living in Plant City, Florida. Hayes had been in the Army for 20 years, but was a disabled veteran at the time of the sting. He had three children, a twenty-year-old, a seven-year-old, and a twelve-year-old. Hayes had been communicating with a decoy posing as the father to a fifteen-year-old female foster child, selling the girl for sex. In a somewhat different scenario than the typical investigations, Hayes met the decoy father in a hotel lobby. The decoy and Hayes discussed the deal and Hayes paid the father the agreed upon amount, plus $10. The decoy gave Hayes a key for a hotel room, under the guise that the girl would be waiting there for him. The decoy father described Hayes as "very nervous," and "cold." When the father asked that Hayes not hurt his daughter, Hayes responded, "I'll take care of her." A search of Hayes vehicle uncovered a passenger seat filled with dozens of empty cans of Monster energy drinks, sandwich bags, and pizza boxes. Deputies detained Hayes as he entered the hotel room and took him to a mobile processing unit where Chris was able to interview him.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have A Seat with Chris Hansen—the new platform from America’s most recognized investigative journalist. In Predators I’ve Caught, Hansen reopens the cases that shocked the nation—bringing new revelations to the confrontations that made headlines around the world. Then in Have A Seat with Chris Hansen, he goes face-to-face with survivors, law enforcement, and insiders—hard-hitting interviews that cut to the truth. Two shows. One trusted voice. Have A Seat with Chris Hansen—where predators are exposed and the story doesn’t end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hunter Bryant is an alleged predator that was caught in a Blount County, Alabama investigation of Takedown with Chris Hansen.  At the time of the sting, Bryant had been living in Trussville, Alabama. He recently had graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in mechanical engineering and was working in a soil laboratory. Bryant had been communicating with a decoy posing as a mother and her fifteen-year-old daughter. Bryant requested a "bareback blowjob and pussy from both of [the decoys]." He agreed to $175 for the sex.  When Bryant arrived at the house, he met the decoys at the door and paid the mother $200. Chris came out and asked Bryant what he was thinking when driving up to the house. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lucas Ralph Field is a predator that was caught in a Monroe County, Michigan investigation of Takedown.  At the time of the sting, Field had been living in Ida, Michigan. He was "self-employed in the nursery business," referring to landscaping. At the time, Field's 96-year-old mother had been living with him, with Field responsible for her care.  Field had been communicating with a decoy posing as a fifteen-year-old girl. Field told the decoy that if she ever wanted to leave home without any place to live, that she should contact him. He also requested that the two get together for breakfast the next morning so that he could meet her in preparation for her possibly running away in the future. He expressed concern about the meeting the decoy in public, however, due to her age.  The conversation quickly turned, with Field asking how much the decoy would charge for "DFK" (Deep French Kissing) in his truck that night. Field acknowledged that concern, stating that he was only "trying to find a happy medium," whereby he could still sexually exploit a child without having full sex.  The sting was set up in a local hotel room. Field had initially got lost finding the room, but after calling the decoy a second time, he was able to find it. After entering the room, Field was immediately taken into custody by police and sat down for a talk with Chris. When asked what the decoy's age was, Field acknowledged that he knew her age to be fifteen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Alan Lee is a predator that was caught in a Monroe County, Michigan investigation.  Lee began communicating with a decoy posing as a fourteen-year-old girl. After the decoy said her age, Lee stated that he wanted to "hookup." Lee was nervous that "this might be a To-Catch-A-Predator thing." He also video called the decoy to ensure that she was real. During the call, he told the decoy that "people are weird," referring to people setting up sting operations, not referring to himself.  The sting took place in a local hotel room. Lee was apprehended by police immediately upon entering the room. Lee told Chris that he came to just "hang out." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Calvin Veldt is a predator caught in a Marquette County, Michigan investigation of Takedown with Chris Hansen. He is notable for offering Chris money in return for him being able to leave.  Veldt had been communicating with a decoy posing as a fifteen-year-old girl. After finding out the decoy's age, Veldt said, "I would love to fuck the shit out of you. You sound young. Do you swallow?" Veldt told her that she made him "horny," but warned her that if he were to drive far "it better be really good pussy." Veldt and the decoy had a phone call where Veldt said that he had already driven to her town. He stated that he would pay her money just to talk until he felt comfortable with her, due to the fact that he was worried about going to "fucking jail." He said that once he feels comfortable with her, he'd give her $150 and "have a field day" with her. After making some initial pleasantries with the decoy, Chris emerged to confront Veldt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Juanmiguel Diaz is a predator caught in a Polk County, Florida investigation of Takedown with Chris Hansen. He is notable for his claim that he was investigating the decoy to gather evidence to report to police.  Juanmiguel Diaz communicated with a decoy who he believed to be a fourteen-year-old girl. The decoy was un by the Polk County Sheriff's Office as a part of its Operation Cyber Guardian II. Initially, he was in contact with the decoy's mother via Adult FriendFinder. He asked the mother how old the daughter was and, after being told fourteen, he asked if he would be having sex with both the mother and the daughter. He asked for a picture of the daughter as well as her phone number to begin talking to her directly. He told the daughter that he was not interested in her due to her age. However, after the decoy asked if Diaz wanted to have sex with her, he told the decoy, "if you're[sic] mother is ok then I guess it's ok."  Juanmiguel Diaz was arrested after he arrived to the hotel where the sting was planned, taken to the police station, and placed in a room to be interviewed by Chris. Diaz claimed that he initially declined the offer to rape a child but "couldn't get it out of his mind" while he was working. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the time of the sting, Clifford Mitts lived in Chesaning, Michigan with his wife of 46 years, but believed that the incident may cause a divorce. He had two children who were 40 and 35 years-old at the time, and similarly believed that he would be "disowned" if they were to find out about the incident.  Mitts had been communicating with a decoy posing as a fifteen-year-old girl. After entering the sting house and communicating briefly with the decoy, Mitts said, "Ah, I'm good," then turned to walk out of the door. Chris stopped him and told him to have a seat at the table, but Mitts refused saying, "No, I ain't gonna do anything." Mitts then stated that he will not do anything with the decoy and attempted to step around Chris multiple times while saying, "I'm in trouble." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trevor Kyle Walker is a predator caught in a Polk County, Florida investigation. Walker arrived at the sting house at approximately 4:30am. The decoy foster mother met him outside, where they briefly spoke, before he walked in. He was immediately apprehended by deputies who took him to the ground outside of the front door. He was processed by police before being sat for an interview. Through tears and sniffling, his first words were, "Chris Hansen." Walker claimed that he would have "chickened out" had police not been there. Police found metal rings in Walker's pockets when searching, but Walker claimed that they were hydraulic o-rings that he used at work and not used for sexual pleasure. For much of the interview, Walker had a large string of nasal mucous hanging off of his nose which he could not wipe because his hands were cuffed. His message to other potential predators was "Do it, so they can bust you and throw you in jail." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dylan Joseph Abramson is a predator caught in the Marquette, Monroe, Michigan sting. He is mostly known for his resemblance to actor Tony Revolori, as well as his mental breakdown during his interview and arrest, whining about losing his job and making an odd face when asked if he'd had sex with a child before. At the time of the sting, Dylan was twenty-one years old and an aerospace engineering student at Michigan Tech College. He lived with his parents in Houghton, Michigan.  Dylan approached a girl who claimed to be nineteen years old from a prostitution advertisement. He immediately asked what services she provided and if she did French kissing; the girl then made it clear she was only fifteen years old.  Dylan was greeted by the decoy at the front door. The two made conversation for a moment, with Dylan acknowledging that she had a bong and that he would be willing to share some of the mariujana in his car with the decoy. When the decoy went upstairs using the phone charger excuse, Dylan attempted to follow her, only for Chris to come out and stop him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew John Bonjean is a predator caught in a Polk County, Florida investigation of ⁠Takedown with Chris Hansen⁠. He is notable for being a fan of Chris', mentioning Chris' name in the chat, and anxiously laughing throughout the interview.  Bonjean began communicating exclusively with the decoy posing as the minor, saying, "I would like to be sexual with a young girl." The decoy again told him her age, 12, and asked if that was okay, to which he responded that it was. He expressed concern that the decoy may be a police officer. He later stated that he thought it could be Chris Hansen because the decoy asked him to bring condoms, which is a common tactic throughout predator investigations to show. He should have listened to his hunch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Professor's Double Life In this disturbing episode of Predators I’ve Caught, Chris Hansen confronts Dr. Vijay Mannari—an award-winning chemistry professor and respected academic leader—after he arrives at a sting house believing he’s meeting a 15-year-old girl. Despite a decorated career in sustainable polymer research and decades in education, Mannari attempts to justify explicit chats and a proposed cash-for-contact arrangement with a bizarre claim of philanthropic curiosity. Caught on camera and confronted by Chris, the professor spins tales of misunderstood generosity, all while hiding his actions from his family. This episode explores the shocking contradictions between public persona and private intent—and the devastating consequences of a secret life exposed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Branden Keith Orr is an alleged predator caught in a Polk County, Florida investigation of Takedown with Chris Hansen. Known for working as a lifeguard at Disney World and giving ghost tours, Orr became infamous for fleeing the sting house and being tased by deputies in the yard. As part of Operation Cyber Guardian, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office set up a sting house and was “bombarded” with men attempting to meet minors for sex. Orr was one of them, engaging in an explicit chat with a decoy posing as a 14-year-old girl. He quickly escalated the conversation, suggesting they watch a movie, cuddle, make out, and have sex—promising to bring a condom. When the decoy asked if sex would hurt, he replied, “It’s not going to hurt for me.” After a 45-minute drive, Orr parked, briefly left, then returned and approached the house—only to suddenly flee. Deputies chased him around the yard and tased him before arresting him. A condom was found in his back pocket. Once detained, he was brought back inside, where Chris interviewed him while officers searched him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Charlie Hansen, That's the Guy's Name" In this bizarre and unforgettable episode of Predators I've Caught, Chris recounts the case of Jared Cole Salvador—one of the few predators who seemed to know exactly what was coming… and still showed up. Caught in a Genesee County, Michigan sting, Salvador became infamous for nervously predicting Chris Hansen’s arrival—only to mistakenly refer to him as “Charlie Hansen” with total confidence. In one of the most unsettling and surreal interviews to date, Salvador expressed disturbing self-loathing and paranoia, at one point telling the decoy he feared being "beat up or shot" and half-joking that this felt exactly like To Catch a Predator. Despite his anxiety and a long, hesitant drive, Salvador eventually arrived—only to be greeted by the man himself. From absurd mistaken identity to chilling confessions, this episode dives into the psychology, contradictions, and eerie foreknowledge of a man who saw it coming… but couldn’t stop himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of Predators I’ve Caught, host Chris Hansen sits down with one of the most vital yet often unseen figures in the investigations—veteran decoy “Bailey.” Known by her alias during the sting operations, Bailey opens up about the emotional and psychological toll of posing as a vulnerable teenager to help catch online predators. She shares vivid memories from one of the most unforgettable stings: the takedown of Jeff Sokol, a predator whose smug attitude and infamous pizza dinner made headlines. With honesty and courage, Bailey walks us through the behind-the-scenes experience of that encounter—what she felt, what she feared, and why she kept coming back to do it again. It’s a rare, inside look at the bravery behind the bait—and the high-stakes reality of confronting evil face to face. Sponsored by TruthFinder, empowering you to reserach an individuals Social Media, Photos, Police Records, Background Checks, Civil Judgments, Contact Information and Much More! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George Robert Cleary is a predator involved in the Fortson, Georgia investigation. He is best known for making a run for it when seeing another suspected predator bust go down, as well as one of two predators in the sting unable to make bond.  A pizza delivery man, George was thirty-six at the time he began chatting with a girl he believed to be fourteen-years-old. After a few minutes of talking, Cleary inquired about her dating history and whether she preferred older men. He claimed he enjoyed using his tongue and having lots of sex. He traveled two hours to the sting house with condoms, porn, and lubricant, and he would pass it by three times to look around. After seeing Gerald White being arrested outside by the Harris County Sheriff's Department for the third time, he fled to the highway to try to make good on his escape. During the attempt, he was stopped and taken into custody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Hasan Hani Abu Halemeh is a predator caught in a Polk County, Florida investigation of Takedown with Chris Hansen. He is notable for having large amounts of child pornography on his phone when arrested.  At the time of the sting, Halemeh had been living in Brandon, Florida. He is an immigrant from Jordan, but is currently a United States citizen and had been living in Florida for ten years. His wife still lived in Jordan at the time of the sting and intended to join him in the United States at a future time. He worked as a supervisor at his company, helping his employees better communicate with customers. Halemeh has cancer, but was doing well in his treatment at the time.  Because Halemeh was reluctant to enter the hotel room where the sting was set up, instead choosing to ask the girl to come to his car, deputies arrested him in the parking lot. While being led into the hotel room, Halemeh claimed that he "wasn't trying to do anything." When questioned by Chris, Halemeh said that he came to the hotel to "discover if what was happening was true or not." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Timothy Lee Wellman is a predator caught in a Polk County, Florida investigation of Takedown with Chris Hansen.  Wellman had been communicating with a decoy posing as a fourteen-year-old girl. Immediately after learning of her age, Wellman asked for pictures of her. He told he decoy that as long as she was "cool" and he wasn't in danger from law enforcement, he was fine with her age. When the decoy told him that she was not a virgin, Wellman said, "Guess nobody has ever ate you up and wore you out. I can eat pussy for days."  Timothy Wellman drove around the block several times before deputies apprehended him at his vehicle. He was led into the sting house in handcuffs, greeted by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd saying, "Welcome to Polk County." During the drive to the sting house, Wellman had been on the phone with his two young children because he "wanted them to tell [him] good night." In the interview with Chris Hansen, Wellman said that he was looking for "conversation, mainly." He stated that he wanted to take the decoy out to eat, but Chris responded, "Sounds like you came over here to eat something different." Chis asked him what he meant when he said in the chat that he wanted to "eat [the decoy's] a**." Wellman clarified that he did not intend on having oral sex with the girl, only "eat all over" the decoy. Chris said that would be oral sex, to which Wellman agreed but said that wasn't his intention. He never fully explained what he meant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Chris Hansen confronts Ryan Scott Howard, a 26-year-old caught in a sting operation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Known for his bizarre baseball cap fetish and inappropriate comments, Ryan chatted online with a decoy he believed was a 15-year-old boy. He arrived at the sting house in short shorts and flip flops, bringing lube but declining pizza. Concerned more about losing his job than the harm he intended, Ryan made himself comfortable—until Chris walked in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices