Are You Involved in a Cyber Sting or ‘To Catch a Predator’ Sting in the Military?

What Military Members Need to Know About Online Sting Operations

Military law enforcement has increased its use of cyber sting operations, often modeled after the “To Catch a Predator” format. These stings target service members through dating apps, social media, or text message platforms — often with undercover agents posing as minors. If you’ve been contacted, questioned, or arrested as part of one of these operations, you may be facing charges under Article 120b or 134 of the UCMJ. These cases are complex, high-stakes, and often misunderstood — and they require immediate, aggressive legal intervention.

At Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law, we’ve defended numerous clients falsely accused or entrapped in military sting operations. These are not typical sex crime cases. They are often driven by questionable tactics, hidden agendas, and overreaching charges. We understand how these stings work — and how to dismantle them in court.

How Military Cyber Stings Work

Military cyber stings typically involve undercover agents posing as underage teens in chatrooms, on dating apps, or through texting platforms. The service member may believe they are speaking to an adult, or may be confused by vague or misleading communication. Common tactics include:

• Use of decoys on apps like Whisper, Tinder, Snapchat, Kik, or Facebook
• Failure to clearly state age until late in the conversation
• Initiation of contact by the undercover agent — not the accused
• Heavy flirting or sexual encouragement by the decoy
• Entrapment-style setups involving suggestive photos and pressure to meet
• Recording and screenshotting of entire conversations, often out of context

Charges You May Face in a Military Sting Case

• Article 120b: Sexual abuse or attempted sexual abuse of a child under 16
• Article 134: Indecent language with a minor, attempted enticement, or conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline
• Attempted sexual assault: Even without physical contact, mere intent and communication may be enough for charges
• Possession of child exploitation materials: If any illicit files are found during search and seizure
• Use of government computer systems or phones: May lead to additional UCMJ or administrative charges

Consequences If Convicted

• Confinement (years to life depending on the charge)
• Dishonorable discharge or dismissal from service
• Sex offender registration (often mandatory)
• Federal conviction and loss of all benefits
• Collateral civilian consequences, including public registry and job loss

Defense Strategies in Cyber Sting Cases

These cases are not open-and-shut. In fact, many involve flawed tactics that violate your rights or misrepresent your intent. At Gonzalez & Waddington, we use proven strategies including:

• Exposing entrapment and government overreach
• Dissecting chat logs to show ambiguity or lack of criminal intent
• Using forensic experts to analyze digital evidence and metadata
• Suppressing evidence obtained through unlawful searches or seizures
• Highlighting confusion, mental state, or non-criminal communications
• Cross-examining agents on baiting behavior and protocol violations

Why Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

• We have defended numerous “To Catch a Predator” style military sting cases
• Our attorneys are former JAGs with decades of courtroom experience
• We understand military law, digital forensics, and interrogation tactics
• We offer strategic, aggressive representation from investigation through trial
• We take a limited number of high-stakes cases — and we fight to win

Take Immediate Action — Time Is Not on Your Side

If you’re being investigated or charged in connection with a cyber sting or online enticement operation, you must act now. Law enforcement has already built part of their case. The sooner we step in, the more we can do to protect your future. Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for a confidential case review.

➤ Schedule Your Case Review Now

Cyber Stings and ‘To Catch a Predator’ in the Military – Frequently Asked Questions