Michael Scanlan : “Indy man, 77, arrested for child solicitation at Mexican restaurant”

Grant County, Ind. — In a shocking turn of events, a 77-year-old man from Indianapolis was arrested at a Mexican restaurant in Grant County after allegedly arranging a dinner with a 13-year-old girl. However, the girl turned out to be a decoy set up by a local predator catcher group.

Michael Scanlan, 77, was taken into custody in Marion and charged with child solicitation under the age of 14, a level 4 felony. The arrest was made after he allegedly attempted to meet a 13-year-old girl for dinner, unaware that it was a setup by Predator Catchers Indiana (PCI).

Police Response and Investigation

Marion Police Department officers were alerted on Monday afternoon about a suspicious situation at a Mexican restaurant on S. Western Avenue. PCI employees had identified a white male in his 70s who was meeting with a purported 13-year-old girl.

Upon arrival, law enforcement officials found Scanlan at the restaurant with PCI members. Scanlan confessed to arranging the dinner with a 13-year-old girl and described his actions as “stupid” when confronted with evidence from PCI’s communications with him.

According to PCI, Scanlan had initiated contact with the decoy on the MeetMe app, eventually exchanging phone numbers. The conversations turned explicit and sexual, with Scanlan acknowledging the girl’s age multiple times.

“It’s fine sweet girl if you don’t mind how old I am,” one of Scanlan’s messages read. “And believe me Rachel if you let me eat your p***y you will c*m.”

Arrest and Further Details

Scanlan requested inappropriate photos from the decoy and arranged to meet her in a Walmart parking lot near the restaurant. However, instead of encountering a young girl, he was met by PCI members who promptly contacted the authorities.

Scanlan was arrested on the spot and refused to answer any questions without legal representation. He was then taken to Grant County Jail and booked on a charge of child solicitation.

During transit to the jail, Scanlan disclosed that he was from Indianapolis and had been recently kicked out of his residence by his spouse. Police determined that he had traveled to Marion with the intent of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

Legal Proceedings and Conclusion

As of now, Scanlan is not listed on the Grant County Jail’s current inmate roster, and online court records do not reflect an initial hearing for his case. The Marion Police Department has not provided any further updates on the matter.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilant groups like Predator Catchers Indiana in safeguarding young individuals from harm.

For the latest updates on this developing story, stay tuned to local news outlets and official law enforcement channels.