Hesperia man arrested in online child sex crime sting

Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press
·2 min read
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A 65-year-old Hesperia man was jailed this week after he arranged to meet with someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl, but was actually an undercover detective, authorities said.

Thomas Patrick Hannett was arrested Thursday on suspicion of committing lewd or lascivious acts with a minor, contacting a minor for lewd purposes and arranging to meet a minor for sex, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department officials and booking records.

Investigators took him into custody about 6:30 p.m. when he showed up at a local roller skating rink to meet the fictitious victim, sheriff's officials said.

The arrest was the result of an online undercover sting conducted by the Sheriff's Specialized Investigation Division, Crime Against Children Detail, the sheriff's department said in a written statement.

Thomas Patrick Hannett, 65, of Hesperia, pictured in a photo released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department following his arrest on May 9, 2024.
Thomas Patrick Hannett, 65, of Hesperia, pictured in a photo released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department following his arrest on May 9, 2024.

It began when Hannett allegedly responded to a post made by a Crimes Against Children Detail detective on an anonymous chat forum.

He used the screen name "Nighthawk_760" during some of his online conversations, authorities added.

"Hannett initiated a conversation with the detective, who acted as the persona of a 14-year-old girl," according to the statement. "During communication, Hannett agreed to meet with the undercover persona to engage in sexual acts."

Detectives suspected that Hannett may have targeted other minors and released his photograph in hopes of generating investigative leads, sheriff's officials said.

Bail for Hannett was set at $500,000 pending an initial court appearance, which was scheduled Monday in the Victorville branch of San Bernardino County Superior Court.

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Anyone with information was urged to contact the Sheriff's Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 890-4904. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to We-Tip at (800) 782-7463.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Hesperia man arrested in online child sex crime sting