Viral Predator Sting in Saratoga County Prompts Police Investigation

Online Predator Sting in Saratoga County

A viral video circulating on social media shows what appears to be the conclusion of an online child-predator sting in Saratoga County involving an alleged child predator from Colorado, who was reportedly taken into custody by the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office.

According to the individuals behind the operation, the man, identified in their social media posts as Preston Purdy, allegedly traveled from Colorado to Saratoga County believing he would be meeting children ages 3, 8, and 11 for sexual purposes.

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Law enforcement has not independently verified these allegations.

Photo: NYS Predator Alert 2.0 Facebook Screenshot

Who Is The Underagent?

The operation was reportedly conducted by Eric Arthurs, better known online as "The Underagent," a civilian child-safety advocate who conducts online decoy operations intended to expose suspected child predators.

Arthurs frequently works with other watchdog groups, including New York State Predator Alert 2.0, using online conversations and recorded confrontations to bring suspected offenders to police attention.

Saratoga County Sheriff's Office Reportedly Involved

According to an update posted by New York State Predator Alert 2.0, Saratoga County Sheriff's deputies took the accused man into custody for an extensive interview.

The group also claims investigators are taking the allegations seriously and pursuing search warrants for the man's cellphone.

Photo: NYS Predator Alert 2.0 Facebook Screenshot Upstate

Update: The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office has now reportedly arrested the Colorado man accused of traveling to Saratoga County with the intent to sexually assault three young children. Authorities allege he flew to New York for that purpose. We will continue to update this story as additional details, including formal charges, become available.

The video is troubling, and the allegations are extremely serious; this case reminds us of the potential dangers children face online and the importance of staying involved in their digital lives.

Details of the investigation and any criminal charges remain subject to official confirmation. All individuals accused of crimes are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. If additional information becomes available or corrections are necessary, please contact brian@wgna.com.