Man Busted in Predator Sting: Police Bodycam Shows 28-Year-Old Trying to Meet 15-Year-Old

Predator Sting Operation

• 🎯 A 28-year-old man, identified as Rafael Rosas, was arrested in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, during a sting operation.
• 🚨 Rosas was lured to a home by an undercover law enforcement agent posing as a 15-year-old girl.
• 🚗 He was observed nervously driving by the house twice before parking and attempting to make contact.

Interrogation and Suspect's Statements

• 💬 During questioning, Rosas initially refused to comment but later admitted to texting an agent he believed to be a minor.
• 🗣️ When asked about his intentions, he claimed he was planning to "just hang out, smoking" and mentioned nicotine vapes and personal marijuana cards.
• ❓ Rosas expressed nervousness about the situation, stating it felt like a "trap" and he was worried about being robbed.

"Chris Hansen-y" and Evasive Tactics

• 📺 The suspect acknowledged texting that the conversation felt "Chris Hansen-y," referencing the host of the TV show "To Catch a Predator."
• 🐈 He offered unusual explanations for his text messages, including "eating kitty" and "eating cats," which he claimed were related to Trump and stray animals.
• 🤥 Detectives found his explanations unreasonable and questioned his motives for meeting a minor.

Background and Legal Ramifications

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Rosas revealed he has two young children, aged three and one, which prompted mandatory reporting to family services to ensure their safety.
• 📱 Police obtained a search warrant for his car and phone, expecting to find evidence related to the online communications.
• ⚖️ Rosas was arrested for child solicitation by electronic communication and attempted criminal sexual penetration, later pleading guilty to solicitation and receiving a 9-month jail sentence and sex offender registration.