Predator Caught: 40-Year-Old Jailed for Attempted Assault on Minor

Summary

A 40-year-old man, John Dupe, was apprehended by law enforcement in Connecticut after attempting to engage in a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old decoy. Working with the Fairfield Police and the online watchdog group Tetrad PO, investigators posted fake profiles on apps like Whisper. Dupe contacted two decoys, using fake names and claiming to be 30 years old, though he was 40. Hidden cameras captured him arriving at the sting house with gifts, including snacks and iced tea, and engaging in disturbing conversations with the decoy. During his interrogation, Dupe admitted to sending graphic messages, including requests to feel the decoy inside him and discussing spending the night. He claimed he was just looking to hang out and watch football, but investigators presented evidence of his explicit chat logs. Dupe pleaded guilty to three felony counts: attempted second-degree sexual assault, attempted risk of injury to a minor, and attempting to entice a minor in an obscene act. He was sentenced to 8 years, with 3 years suspended, and must register as a sex offender. The investigation highlighted the graphic nature of online interactions between predators and minors.