Math Tutor Nabbed in Undercover Sting

Summary

A 32-year-old math tutor, who called himself Mike Thrilla and taught affluent children in New York and Connecticut, was recently caught in a sting operation in Fairfield, Connecticut. The operation, conducted by the watchdog group Petrichor and local police, used hidden cameras and a decoy to target adult men seeking to meet with minors. Texts show the tutor expressed interest in the decoy, who he believed was 13, discussing getting stoned and calling her his "soul mate" despite acknowledging the potential for trouble. When he arrived at the sting house, expecting to meet the girl, he was confronted by an investigator. He claimed he was only concerned about the girl's well-being and wanted to ensure she was okay, stating he was coming over to make sure she wasn't being taken advantage of. However, when pressed about his intentions, he admitted he had planned to smoke marijuana with her. He also acknowledged that the parents of the children he tutors would not approve of his actions. Despite his claims of being a "good Samaritan," he was arrested. During interrogation, he admitted understanding the age difference and the girl's inability to make sound judgments due to her age. He stated he wasn't intending to do anything with her and would have explained the situation if her mother had arrived. He did not send any overtly sexual texts. Ultimately, Mike M. was charged with one felony: criminal attempt to commit risk of injury to a minor. He pleaded guilty and received a suspended sentence of three years with probation.