BEL AIR, Md. – Television journalist Chris Hansen has returned to Harford County for another undercover child predator investigation, and local authorities say the results should serve as a warning to parents across the community.
In a statement Friday, Harford County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler confirmed that investigators partnered with Hansen’s “Takedown” team for a weeklong operation targeting adults who allegedly attempted to communicate online with children for sexual purposes.
“We heard that there are rumors that Chris Hansen of ‘Takedown’ was back in Harford County. Well, the rumors are true,” Gahler said. “In partnership with Chris Hansen’s team, we just completed a week of filming here, and what our joint operation uncovered should concern every parent in our community.”
2025 Video of Hansen in Harford:
According to the sheriff, investigators encountered “multiple individuals from within Harford County attempting to communicate with who they believed were children.”
Sheriff: “If you target our kids, we will find you”
Gahler delivered a blunt message to anyone accused of targeting children online.
“Let me make one thing absolutely clear, if you target our kids, we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will bring you to justice,” he said.
The sheriff’s office announced the arrest of Robert “Joe” Swarthout, 41, of Fallston, who investigators say told detectives he serves as a Fallston Recreation baseball coach and previously worked for a national tutoring company.
According to investigators, Swarthout used an online messaging application to communicate with an undercover deputy posing as a 15-year-old boy. Detectives said the undercover officer repeatedly identified himself as a minor, but the conversations allegedly continued before a meeting was arranged.
“When Swarthout arrived at the designated location, he was taken into custody,” the sheriff’s office said.
Swarthout has been charged with two felony counts related to the solicitation of a minor.
The announcement follows the arrest of Kenneth Goedeke, who authorities said was taken into custody after allegedly communicating with another undercover deputy posing as a 15-year-old boy.
Operation focused on local suspects
Gahler said this investigation differed from previous undercover operations because many of the suspects were local residents rather than individuals traveling from outside Maryland.
“Unlike our first two operations, where most offenders traveled from outside the county or state, this operation revealed individuals living, working, and volunteering right here in our community,” the sheriff said.
He said the allegations are especially troubling because they involve people who held positions of trust within the community.
“These charges are deeply troubling. Once again, we are facing a situation involving a trusted community member, someone responsible for guiding and safeguarding youth, attempting to exploit a minor,” Gahler said. “It is a stark reminder that vigilance is essential.”
The sheriff encouraged anyone who believes they may have information related to the investigation or believes they may have been affected to contact detectives through the department’s dedicated tip email at cactips@harfordsheriff.org.
Parents should also continue discussing online safety with their children, Gahler said.
“Parents and caregivers, please continue open and ongoing conversations with your children, not only about this case, but about the broader dangers posed by individuals who misuse positions of trust and by online predators who target young people,” he said. “Your awareness, involvement, and willingness to talk with your kids remain among the strongest protections we have as a community.”
Authorities said additional details and possible arrests are expected as the operation concludes.
As with all criminal cases, the charges against Swarthout and Goedeke are allegations. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Sources
- Harford County Sheriff’s Office
- Statement from Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler
- Harford County Sheriff’s Office Facebook
FAQ
- Who partnered with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office?
Television journalist Chris Hansen and his “Takedown” investigative team. - Who was arrested?
Authorities announced the arrests of Robert “Joe” Swarthout of Fallston and Kenneth Goedeke in separate undercover investigations. - What are the allegations?
Investigators allege the men communicated online with undercover deputies they believed were 15-year-old boys and arranged meetings. - Are more arrests expected?
Sheriff Gahler said more information will be released as the operation concludes. - How can someone provide information?
The sheriff’s office established a dedicated email tip line at cactips@harfordsheriff.org.
Key Points
- Chris Hansen returned to Harford County for another undercover child predator investigation.
- Authorities arrested a Fallston baseball coach and another man on felony solicitation charges.
- The sheriff said multiple local residents were identified during the weeklong operation, with additional information expected.
