Nicholas Krackenberger

Summary

Podcast Summary: Have A Seat with Chris Hansen — Episode: Nicholas Krackenberger (June 22, 2026)

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Episode Overview

This episode of Have A Seat with Chris Hansen delves into the case of Nicholas Krackenberger, a 29-year-old accountant from Iron Mountain, Michigan who was caught in a child predator sting. Hansen reconstructs the operation, shares never-before-heard details, and interviews law enforcement directly involved, before confronting Krackenberger himself. The episode explores the grooming process, Krackenberger’s psychology, the community impact, and the outcome of his prosecution. Hansen maintains his relentless, uncompromising tone, dissecting the excuses predators make and the harm they cause.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Iron Mountain Sting Operation

• Chris Hansen gives background on the sting: Iron Mountain, MI, a remote area close to Wisconsin, chosen for its “secrets” despite its small size (02:00).
• Seven men were caught in the operation, including Krackenberger, who lived just down the street from the sting house (03:00).

2. How the Predator was Caught: Chat Details

• Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring (Chippewa County) poses as “Trey”, a 15-year-old boy online (04:34).
• Krackenberger, using the alias “Josh”, quickly makes his intentions clear: asks for discretion, inquires about the house being empty, expresses sexual interests (05:20).
• Krackenberger “wants to be the top” and orchestrates meeting logistics (05:36).
• Law enforcement notes his excitement about the minor’s age and his cautiousness about being caught (06:12).
• Notable quote:

  “He asked if you were discreet?”
  — Chris Hansen to Deputy Ryan Herring ([04:43]).

3. Sting Execution: Capture and Immediate Aftermath

• Krackenberger walks to the sting house in pajama pants and hoodie to avoid being seen in his vehicle (07:13, 22:41).
• Meets the decoy, takes off his shoes to "not soil up the floors," while intending to sexually exploit a child (07:34, 09:44).
• Upon confrontation, Hansen asks, “How did you end up over here tonight?”

  “I walked.” — Nicholas Krackenberger ([09:44])

4. Confrontation Interview: Excuses, Denials, and Deflections

• Krackenberger repeatedly claims ignorance or confusion about the age, says it was his first time ([09:58], [13:11], [14:16]).
• Blames loneliness and recent breakup with a woman, claims the supposed “first time” defense ([14:54], [15:05], [21:07]).
• States fear of people finding out he likes men, not the illegal nature of his actions ([15:59], [17:14]).
• Hansen drills down:

  “Stupid. How about criminal? And what impact would this have had on a 15 year old child?”
  — Chris Hansen ([18:15])

• Krackenberger insists he would have left if he realized the decoy was 15, despite clear evidence to the contrary ([27:54], [28:36]).

5. Psychological Analysis and Community Factors

• Hansen considers the difficulty of being gay/bi in a small, conservative town but insists “being lonely is not an excuse… black and white, has nothing to do with gay or straight, it’s the exploitation of a child.”
• He explores themes of predators who were themselves once exploited, and why that’s no justification for continuing the cycle ([18:15]–[20:33]).

6. Legal Consequences and Investigation Outcomes

• Krackenberger was charged with four felonies; ultimately pleaded guilty to two ([30:18]).
• Forensic examination of his devices led to the discovery of 14 items of suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM), but technicalities prevented further charges ([30:18]–[31:30]).
• Notable quote:

  “Possessing and viewing CSAM is one of the most evil crimes in our society…” — Chris Hansen ([31:08])

• June 2026: Nicholas Krackenberger sentenced to 23 months in prison, probation, and mandatory sex offender registration ([31:40]).

7. Hansen’s Methodology and Tools

• Hansen highlights the use of Truthfinder for deep background checks, which revealed no prior criminal history for Krackenberger ([32:43]).

  “Truth Finder is a very valuable tool for me and it can be for you.” — Chris Hansen ([32:52])

8. Listener Question: Reflecting on Unasked Interview Questions

• Amy from Scotland asks which interview Hansen wishes he could redo ([36:25]).
• Hansen cites the Rabbi David K. sting and wishes he’d asked more about the suspect’s access to minors in his professional role ([36:30]).
• Hansen encourages more video questions from listeners and thanks the supportive audience ([38:19]).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On predator justifications:

  “I just was curious and I didn't, you know, he said his age was a few different ones, so I didn't know.”
  — Nicholas Krackenberger ([14:22])

• On the disconnect:

  “A caring person would understand... difficulties in a small town... But it can’t be impossible. And it certainly is no excuse to reach out to a child. Being lonely is not an excuse either.”
  — Chris Hansen ([15:05])

• The confrontation reveal:

  “Well, Josh, there’s something you need to know, and that is. I’m Chris Hansen, and I do stories on men who try to exploit children.”
  — Chris Hansen ([29:25])

• On the impact of abuse:

  “Even if the guy doesn’t show up, even if a sexually explicit picture is sent to either a boy or a girl, that potentially is one of the first images that child will see and shape them emotionally, potentially, sexually, psychologically, for the rest of their lives.”
  — Chris Hansen ([18:15])

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:00] — Background on Iron Mountain, Michigan, and the sting operation
• [04:34]–[07:34] — Chat transcript details with Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring
• [09:44]–[10:36] — Initial interview with Krackenberger after the sting
• [13:11]–[15:01] — Krackenberger describes his excuses, Hansen challenges them
• [18:15] — Hansen discusses the impact of abuse and predator psychology
• [21:07] — Krackenberger’s recent breakup and “loneliness” claim
• [22:41] — Discussion of him walking to the sting house to avoid being seen
• [27:54]–[29:09] — Krackenberger’s attempts to reframe why he came, including the “age confusion” defense
• [29:25] — Chris Hansen reveals his identity to Krackenberger (“I’m Chris Hansen” moment)
• [30:18]–[31:40] — Legal outcome, sentencing, discussion of CSAM evidence
• [32:43]–[33:10] — Background check with Truth Finder and sponsor mention
• [36:25]–[38:19] — Listener question: interviews Hansen would redo

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Tone and Style

Chris Hansen navigates the episode with a mix of clinical detachment and moral clarity, giving space to law enforcement voices and holding the perpetrator to account. His questioning is persistent; he refuses to accept vague or deflective answers, demonstrating a deep commitment to exposing the truth and advocating for child safety.

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Summary Takeaway

The Nicholas Krackenberger case epitomizes both the persistence of online predators and the relentless pursuit of justice by investigative teams like Hansen's. The episode is a stark reminder: there are no excuses or subtleties that justify the exploitation of minors. Hansen’s detailed walkthrough of the sting, the chat transcript, the legal consequences, and the underlying issues provide listeners with a full perspective on the methods, psychology, and aftermath of such operations.

Transcript

[Chris Hansen]

So good, so good, so good.

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[Chris Hansen]

I've confronted hundreds of men over two decades, men online, looking for children to sexually assault Cody. I'm Chris Hansen. I know who you are. I tried to get into their heads and understand why, but you have it on your phone. That's true. And ultimately make sure they face justice. Can I just give you some money and leave? I don't want money. I want the truth. These are the predators I've caught. I'm Chris Hansen. Intellectually, I know that whatever location we pick for a takedown Predator investigation, we will see men show up to exploit children. Sad to say, but we never conduct an investigation and come back empty handed. Now, a week or so ago, we were in Marion County, Florida, and had 57, 58 guys show up in six days. That's the high end. That's a record. Polk county, we had 17, 18 guys show up recently. But even in a more remote area, there are secrets. People who seek to exploit children, commit crimes, lead dark lives. And last fall, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, in Dickinson county, in the upper peninsula of Michigan, we found seven of those people with dark secrets. Some live down the street from the Sting house, like the man we're going to talk about in this episode. Some drove from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Some came from south of Iron Mountain. Iron Mountain's an interesting place. It's way up there, very close to the Wisconsin border. It's pretty, especially in the fall during the color change. The highest ski jump in North America is there and a town called Norway. As you know, I'm from Michigan State university, graduated in 81. Our basketball coach, Tom Izzo, is from Iron Mountain, Michigan. But Nicholas Krackenberger did not make Iron Michigan proud. Last fall, Nicholas, who went online by the name of Josh, that was his secret name online, was 29 years old when he started chatting with somebody who told him they were 15. Nicholas had been in a relationship with a woman, but had a hankering to get together with a teenage boy. And on this night In October of 2025, Nicholas planned to fulfill that fantasy. And there are some twists and turns in this case. We'll get to that in just a few moments. But Nicholas was a pretty Quick mover. And it turns out he didn't have far to go. He lived just down the street. That's right. Just down the street from the Sting house. An undersheriff from a neighboring county was assisting Dickinson county in this matter,

[Commercial Advertiser]

and

[Chris Hansen]

he was the one who was actually doing the chat. Listen as he fills us in on what Nicholas said to someone who told him he was 15. And remember, at the time, Nicholas was using the name Josh. Tell me about this guy introduced.

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

Said, I'm bored. He said, looking for fun. Told him that I'm younger. Told him, I'm 15, but I'm mature. He asked me if I was discreet. Said I don't tell.

[Chris Hansen]

He asked if you were discreet?

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

Yeah. I said, since you can't drive, where would we do it? I said, I'm home alone until tomorrow.

[Chris Hansen]

That's right. Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring from nearby Chippewa county tells me that Josh, AKA Nicholas Krakenberger, realizes he's talking to a child because he acknowledges that the boy can't drive. Where are we going to meet? And then the boy tells him that you. His parents are gone. He's going to be home alone for a while.

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

I asked him what he's into. He said, oral making out and he wants to be the top. He asked me for pictures. I sent him one. He said, where at? He asked me what I was into. I told him I was in Iron Mountain. Says, are you sure no one will find out? I said, as long as you don't

[Chris Hansen]

tell anyone, are you sure no one will find out? Well, Nicholas Krakenberger's secret is about to be all over town.

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

Asked him if he would suck me off. He said, okay. Want me to come over? He said he will.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

What about.

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

I said, what about taking a shower? He said, we can do whatever you want. Yeah, I'd come over. How far away are you? Said, I don't know where you live. And I gave my address just now. He said, are you being honest about your age?

[Chris Hansen]

And Trey is how old he is?

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

Fifteen.

[Chris Hansen]

Fifteen. Yeah, that's right. The boy is named Trey and he's home alone. And what's the name of the man who wants to come over?

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

Yeah, he's Josh on

[Chris Hansen]

his app. On the app, do we know how old he is?

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

No, he hasn't given his age, but

[Chris Hansen]

he was awfully concerned that this boy is 15. Actually, he's attracted to the fact that this boy is 15.

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

Yes.

[Chris Hansen]

And Josh, aka Nicholas Krakenberger, seems attracted to the fact that this boy is only 15. But he's afraid to get caught seeing the boy.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

Right.

[Chris Hansen]

And where does it stand right now?

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

He's just asking that he's seen a different profile earlier, so he's trying to make sure that we're real. So it may lead to a call. And I also want to get age

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

as well on him. Tied. Yeah. Okay.

[Chris Hansen]

And do we know where he is right now?

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

On the app it says that he's less than a mile away.

[Chris Hansen]

Less than a mile away?

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

Yeah.

[Chris Hansen]

Less than a mile away. That's right. Nicholas Krakenberger isn't going to have far to travel. In fact, he could walk if he wants to. So he could be in this very neighborhood. Theoretically, yeah. And does he have the address now?

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

He does.

[Chris Hansen]

So he could be on his way any moment. He could be knocking on our door.

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

Right.

[Chris Hansen]

And he's made it clear that he understands his boy is 15 and he's made his intent very clear about having sex with the child.

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

And he wants it to be discreet.

[Chris Hansen]

Discreet? Yeah, discreet. It is not going to be. Everybody gets into position because we know Krakenberger is close. And in fact, we see a shadowy figure in the distance. Now, he's coming up our driveway. His hood is up, he's wearing pajama pants, wants to be comfortable, apparently. He gets to the door and our onside decoy meets him. He asks Josh. The decoy invites him in, tells him that he can have a seat on the couch. The decoy excuses himself. Josh, who's taking his shoes off to be comfortable, don't want to soil up the floors, but he's okay sexually exploiting a child. Has a look around the sting house. Seems like he's getting a little edgy. It's not going to be discreet, Josh. The deputies on the task force come out to secure Josh, and I'm right there with him. He offers no resistance, puts his hands up and is cuffed. And now it's my turn to have a seat with Josh and ask him about his activities, his chat and what his intent is tonight, why he thought it was okay to meet a 15 year old boy after a sexually charged conversation. It's Josh. How did you end up over here tonight?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I walked.

[Chris Hansen]

You walked? And where did you come from tonight?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I walk from down the road.

[Chris Hansen]

From down the road. And where were you down the road? At your house. You live there? And why did you come here tonight?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I don't know.

[Chris Hansen]

I don't know. It's a common answer, something we hear in virtually every investigation. I don't know. Well, I know Josh or Nicholas. Well, tell me what led up to this so I can understand it. Well, you had a conversation. And who did you have the conversation with?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I can't remember what he said his name on.

[Chris Hansen]

Can't remember. It was Trey. His name was Trey. Do you remember that now?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

Yeah, I think so, but. Okay.

[Chris Hansen]

Ben or Trey. Were you talking with a lot of people tonight?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

No. I've never done this before.

[Chris Hansen]

And it may not come as a shock to you, certainly not to me. But Nicholas tells me this is his very first time meeting some person who he first chatted with online. More about this predator I've caught in a moment. Nobody likes a dad bod. Not even dads. Certainly not this dad. And we're all trying to get into better shape, right? I just came from the trainer a few hours ago. As men age, our bodies reprogram. We naturally store more fat and lose muscle faster. That's just a fact of life. That's why I started taking Mars Med. It's a natural supplement designed to support healthy testosterone levels, helping your body burn fat and build lean muscle. No weird stimulants, just premium ingredients like zinc and boron. Made in the USA and third party. Test it. That's important. I've done stories on this in the past. You want to make sure the product is pure. Thousands of guys are noticing steady drive, fewer cravings and better recovery. Plus there is a risk free 90 day money back guarantee for a limited time. Our listeners get 50% off for life. That's a pretty darn good deal. Free shipping and three free gifts@ Mengotomars.com that's Mengotomars.com for 50% off and three free gifts when you check out. After you purchase, they'll ask you where you heard about them. Please support our show and tell them we sent you.

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[Chris Hansen]

Oh my God.

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18

[Chris Hansen]

Trying anything with anyone or anyone who is underage?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

Anybody?

[Chris Hansen]

Anybody. So just tonight you decided to get on one of these apps, one of these platforms, to try to meet somebody for sex. And if that's true, Nicholas would have to be the unluckiest man in the world. Not just in the Upper Peninsula, not just in the state of Michigan, not just in the United States. Imagine the odds the first time Nicholas decides to meet a teen for sex. It's a sting operation operated by the county sheriffs and local law enforcement. And it just happens to be down the street from where he lives, where he works, where he's a professional in a community, he's college educated, he's got a great job, he's got family nearby. And just on this one day, the first time he decides that act out like this and commit a crime, he gets caught. And what made you, Josh, do that tonight?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

You know, I'm just. I don't know. I'm just.

[Chris Hansen]

Well, I don't know isn't a good answer. You need to give me a reason.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

And I just was curious and I didn't, you know, he said his age was a few different ones, so I didn't know.

[Chris Hansen]

Right. He said his age was 15, but

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

before that he said he was older. So I just, I didn't know. Okay.

[Chris Hansen]

He told you all the way he was 15. He made it very clear. I've seen the transcripts and how old are you, Josh?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

29.

[Chris Hansen]

29. And do you think it's okay for a 29 year old to meet a 15 year old for sex? Then why did you do it? I don't know. Isn't a good answer. Help me to understand.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

Alone. And I just, I don't know.

[Chris Hansen]

There's no 29 year olds, 28 year olds, 27 year olds, just.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I don't know. I was afraid people would find out. I just didn't want anybody to know.

[Chris Hansen]

I was afraid people would find out. I didn't want anybody to know. Now, a caring person would understand perhaps the difficulties in a small town, in a place where there isn't a thriving LBGTQ community, that it would be difficult for somebody who is gay or bi to find appropriate adult company. But it can't be impossible. And it certainly is no excuse to reach out to a child. Being lonely is not an excuse either. This is black and white, has nothing to do with gay or straight. It's the exploitation of a child. You were afraid people would find out What?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I was going to try something with another man.

[Chris Hansen]

Try something with another man? Are you in the Closet. It's got to be difficult. What do you do for a living, Josh?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

Accounting.

[Chris Hansen]

Accounting? And where are you? An accountant?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

In town.

[Chris Hansen]

In town for what? Company.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I'm just afraid people, I mean.

[Chris Hansen]

Well, why are you so afraid? I understand why you'd be afraid people would find out you tried to meet a child for sex. And still at this moment in the investigation, this accountant didn't count on meeting me. And he's still at least pretending to be shocked and embarrassed about the fact that he wanted to meet another man, not about meeting a child. He's missing the point. The point of these investigations is not to out people who seek same sex relationships. It has nothing to do with it. It's a out exploiting children, that's it, plain and simple.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

No, I'm afraid people are going to find out they tried anything.

[Chris Hansen]

Well, why are you so afraid of that? I mean, I'd be more afraid that you were trying to find someone who was a boy, a child. Because based upon the conversation, it seems like maybe you've done this before. You talk about oral sex, making out, you like to be the top, you ask the boy to send you pictures. That doesn't sound like a first timer, John.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I didn't want pictures of anything. I just wanted see that it was a person, right?

[Chris Hansen]

A 15 year old person.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

Nadia. Yeah, I should have. I don't.

[Chris Hansen]

May I come over? You were worried about his parents. You were worried as to whether or not there were cameras in the home.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I was just afraid of somebody finding out that I was being anything but.

[Chris Hansen]

Why pick a 15 year old boy?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

It was just lonely. Stupid.

[Chris Hansen]

Stupid. How about criminal? And what impact would this have had on a 15 year old child still developing, still figuring out his sexuality, still emotionally unstable and very much a work in progress? And that's the offensive part to me. Or one of the most offensive parts of this is that even if the guy doesn't show up, even if a sexually explicit picture is sent to either a boy or a girl, that potentially is one of the first images that child will see and shape them emotionally, potentially, sexually, psychologically, for the rest of their lives. And these guys don't think it through. And it, it just, it just boggles my mind that they wouldn't give it any consideration. You know, we run into guys sometimes and we did this in Mary Akana recently. People who claim that they have been exploited themselves and that somehow shaped them to think that this was okay. And there's some science behind this, but you would think that in those cases they would have been so disturbed and violated by the early experience, they wouldn't want to do it to another child. And I understand that it's more complicated than that. But in this case, he claims that he's just lonely, he's reaching out. He was stupid, he shouldn't have done it. On and on and on. But the lingo in the chat. I want to be the top. The way he expresses himself about various sex acts, it doesn't strike me. And I've read hundreds and hundreds of these chats, it doesn't strike me as this fellow's first time. And why are you using an alias? What do you think would have happened, Josh, had there been a 15 year old boy here who was open to the idea of a sexual encounter with you? That doesn't make any sense. You came all the way over here.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I shouldn't. I was afraid the whole time because I age changed and I just didn't know what to believe.

[Chris Hansen]

Then why do it if you were so anxious? I know, but you gotta help me out here, Josh.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I really don't know. I should have never done it, honestly.

[Chris Hansen]

Do you have kids of your own?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

No.

[Chris Hansen]

Are you in a relationship?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

No, I wasn't. We just woke up and I didn't.

[Chris Hansen]

He's covering his mouth, as you can see. But he says he broke up. Says he had a relationship with a woman. And what happened in that relationship?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

It just didn't work out.

[Chris Hansen]

So you were dating a woman in an adult relationship and that broke up. How old was she?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

29.

[Chris Hansen]

29. So she was your age. But how do you go from that to trying to hook up with a 15 year old boy?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I don't love boy.

[Chris Hansen]

I mean, that's a huge glacial, illegal.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

Yes.

[Chris Hansen]

Jump.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

Yeah.

[Chris Hansen]

And as a side note, Nicholas is wearing Grinch. Yes, the cartoon character from the Christmas cartoon and the famous Jim Carrey movie. He's wearing Grinch pajamas now. Maybe that's just what was on sale at the local store. Maybe he's into the Grinch. Or was he wearing these at 29 years old to appeal to somebody who was younger? We don't know. I wish I had asked the question.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

He's just desperately alone now. I should have. Should have just stayed home anyway. I should.

[Chris Hansen]

So you come over here with your Grinch pajama pants, your hoodie and why did you walk?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

Just. I needed a. I was walking and I just needed to keep walking.

[Chris Hansen]

So you had time to think about this, to weigh the consequences, to decide whether this was.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I was walking over at Fumi. I just needed some time by myself.

[Chris Hansen]

You said you were worried about driving your vehicle over here because it was a company vehicle and it had your company's logo on the side. And you were worried about driving the company vehicle over here because you knew you were doing something illegal.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

No, I just didn't want to drive it. I don't like to take it places. I mean, I was walking a few minutes, so I had it.

[Chris Hansen]

Yeah, that's right. He walked. Now it's not a mile walk, it's less than that. And it wasn't horrifyingly cold that night. Fall nip in the air. But I think the reason why he walked is he didn't want anybody to see his car in the driveway of a house where a 15 year old was home alone. I think that's more the reason. If what you've heard shocks you so far, join us. Back in a moment. Waking up congested or dealing with lingering odors and dust is often blamed on stress. But indoor air quality is the real culprit. Now this is a product we use in our home and it works. It's amazing technology. I am sleeping better, coughing less. I notice less dust in the house and you can hear this machine work. It's Air Doctor, a powerful solution for cleaner, healthier air. Many households like ours report fewer allergy symptoms and even better sleep after adding Air Doctor to their homes. What sets Air Doctor apart is its advanced three stage filtration. It captures particles 100 times smaller than typical purifiers like pollen, mold and smoke. It operates Whisper Quiet, features an auto mode for 24. 7 protection and provides filter change reminders to eliminate guesswork. And it's got the Mrs. Hansen seal of approval. When I bring something home or something is sent home for an advertisement. If she approves, you know it's good. Not saying she's demanding, I'm just saying she knows what's good. It's no surprise Air Doctor won Newsweek's Reader's Choice Award for Best Ear Purifier. Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HANSON to get $250 off select Air Doctor air purifiers, including the 3500, 4000 and 5500 models. We're so confident you'll love Air Doctor that every purchase is backed by a 30 day money back guarantee. This is an exclusive podcast only offer available [e-mail] that's a I R D O C T O R Pro P R O.com using promo code Hansen H A N S E N. Go get it. It's a good product.

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[Chris Hansen]

but you knew what you were doing tonight was wrong.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

It should have never gone.

[Chris Hansen]

You know it's illegal to try to have sex with a child and I

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

thought he was older before and then he said his age and I just,

[Chris Hansen]

I didn't know what to believe and there's this excuse. I thought he was older at first. Well, predators say that because on the apps children have to say they're older to get on. But it's always, always, always made clear, as you know in the chat pretty early on before it gets explicit that they're really talking to a teenager. That's very clear. And at that point, the predator has a choice. This would be wrong. You're too young, Bond. That's the right answer. But more often than not we get the wrong answer. The same answer Nicholas gave before he showed up at our Stinger. Well, here's what you should have done, Josh. Stop communication and not try to come over to meet a 15 year old boy for sex.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

Yes. Or after. See a driver's license to prove.

[Chris Hansen]

So what do you think should happen to you?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I. I honestly am so sorry.

[Chris Hansen]

Now he's sorry.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

This isn't something I would ever normally ever do.

[Chris Hansen]

Why tonight?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I don't know. I just. It was. I just broke up and I just was having a honestly a day and I just, I didn't know what to do.

[Chris Hansen]

Just broke up day. There are a lot of things you can do, Nicholas, besides go exploit a child. What do you think the impact would have been on a 15 year old boy?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

Horrible. And honestly, once I came here and I saw how old he is, I would have left. That's why I was walking back to the door because I could tell that he was not all the ages he said he was. So that's why I was walking back to put my shoes on.

[Chris Hansen]

There was only one age that he told you and that was 15.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I saw him earlier on somewhere else and it said older.

[Chris Hansen]

Well, kids get on these apps by saying they're 19 just because that's the threshold. But when they tell you over and over again that they're 15, that should be a warning sign, don't you think?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

As soon as I came in and I saw him, I started going back to put my shoes on, to leave, because I could tell that he was now not old enough.

[Chris Hansen]

Do you know what I think? I think that if you had the opportunity to be with this boy, you would have taken it.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

No, I swear to God.

[Chris Hansen]

Then why even come over here?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

Tell him I lied because I thought he was 19. Then he said he was 15. And earlier I saw him and he was 19, so I came. But once I saw him, that's when I headed to the door to leave. Because I knew.

[Chris Hansen]

If you were me, would you find that hard to believe?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

Yes.

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

But if you're.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

If you go on there, everybody says they're a different age. So I don't know what to believe.

[Chris Hansen]

Why take the chance, though? That's the thing. I mean, there's gotta be guys there who are age appropriate.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I was hoping to find someone that I could experiment with, and nobody would find out because I don't want anybody to know. Right.

[Chris Hansen]

Nicholas is about to find out who I am and what he's walked into. Well, Josh, there's something you need to know, and that is. I'm Chris Hansen, and I do stories on men who try to exploit children,

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

predators.

[Chris Hansen]

And you're now in one of those stories. So if there's anything else you want people to know about your situation, now would be the time to share.

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

I don't want anybody to film. Okay.

[Chris Hansen]

Nothing else you want to say?

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

Okay.

[Chris Hansen]

Well, Josh, these fellas here are with the local sheriff's department,

[Nicholas Krakenberger]

and they're going to take it from barricade.

[Chris Hansen]

Josh is taken into custody into the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office to be booked. He was charged with four felonies connected to his actions that night in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Ultimately, he pleaded guilty to two of those charges. And this happened back In December of 2025, when it came time for Nicholas to be sentenced. In February of 2026, prosecutors raised concerns. Apparently a forensic investigation of Nicholas's phone found what was believed to be child pornography, child sexually abusive material. And the prosecutors raised this issue with the judge. And the judge said, whoa, you know, this is another felony here potentially. And the prosecutor indicated that Josh could be charged with other crimes. Ultimately, the defense argued. And we're talking about 14 images that were deemed to be CSAM by a law enforcement expert in this area. Some questions were raised by the defense about the timing of when these pictures were viewed, whether or not they were actually downloaded on the phone, whether there were some sort of pop ups because of the platforms Josh was visiting, did he have intent? And so the case apparently was murky enough where the prosecution decided not to file the digital charges. Now, my position would be if you don't want these pop ups to show up on your phone, don't go to these apps, right? And possessing and viewing CSAM is one of the most evil crimes in our society. But he was not charged ultimately with those crimes. And just this week, June of 2026, Nicholas Krakenberger was sentenced to 23 months in prison for the two counts for which he pleaded guilty associated with trying to solicit a minor for sex. He will go to prison, he will then be on probation and then he will have to register as a sex offender. I guess Nicholas's secret is out. We wondered if Nicholas had been in trouble before or if he had anything in his background that may have indicated he was heading down this road, the road he walked before he ended up in one of our Predator stings. And that's why we partnered with Truthfinder. We use Truth Finder on virtually every investigation and often it picks up things about people's backgrounds that even law enforcement doesn't pick up. And we're in the same stinghouse. Truth Finder is a very valuable tool for me and it can be for you. Our Truth Finder check of Nicholas Krakenberg shows no previous criminal history, but it does show his work history. It shows his social media. It takes us inside of his world in a way. And now it shows the charges to which he has pleaded guilty in this sting operation. Truthfinder is a valuable tool in my belt and it can be in yours. Go to truthfinder.com predators to find out more. More of our story in a moment. This episode is brought to you by Fox 1. Watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World cup live in 4K for just 19.99amonth, with 3 days free. Build your own multi view, choose up to three streams and follow player spotlights. Stay on top of every moment with live stats, highlights and instant replays. The FIFA World cup streaming live on Fox One offers a subject to change. See fox.com for complete terms and conditions. As you know, I like to hear from you and a few weeks ago I suggested that maybe as opposed to just sending me an audio question or written question because this podcast has a video version on my YouTube channel, as you know, you might be watching it right there. Now have a seat with Chris Hansen that you send in a video and finally somebody did. And that somebody is Amy from Scotland. Take a look. Hi Chris, this is Amy from Scotland. Been watching you for years and I'm a huge fan. Really enjoyed the investigation you did into Roblox as well. My question for you is if you had to redo any interview throughout your time either on Takedown to Catch Predator, Hanson versus Predator, which one would it be and why? Have a great day. Keep up the good work. Can't wait to see some more episodes. Thank you Amy. That is one of the most thoughtful questions I've ever received and I pride myself in being thoroughly prepared when I do these interviews. Going through the transcripts and I like to think that I'm good on my feet. And part of that I believe is being a good listener, not just looking down at the transcripts but getting inside this person's head in terms of questions. Questions that I wish I would have asked. Now there are a few. One of them was when the Rabbi David K. Showed up in our Sting house outside of Washington D.C. and I wish I would have pried a little more deeply into his current job at the time which involved high school students who came to Washington to learn about Israeli politics in America. I didn't know too much about his background at the time, but I wish I would have asked a couple key questions there which would have been legitimate given the fact that he was in our Stinghouse to meet a 13 year old boy after a sexually charged conversation. One would normally want to know if he had tried to have any sort of a connection or relationship or illegal contact with any of the students in his program. But we tried to get better with every interview and thinking about it well is always helpful. So I appreciate that question and thanks for doing the video too. I know it's, it's an extra step, but you see how good it looked everyone. So I expect more of those in the near future. You can find me all over social media at Chris Hansen on X Official Chris Hansen on Instagram. Have a seat with Chris Hansen on TikTok.

[Deputy Sheriff Ryan Herring]

Boy.

[Chris Hansen]

We get a lot of story tips on TikTok and I appreciate it. Just got one yesterday. A million followers on TikTok. Now it's quite something. You can find me on Cameo should you desire on my streaming crime network True Blue watch. Trueblue.com Tru Blu Every single Thursday a new episode of Takedown appears there. Check them out. Give like 230, 240 so far. But every single Thursday, there's a new episode, and there's no end in sight. And as always, you can reach me right here at [e-mail] I'll be watching and listening.

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