The Double Life of Ivan Walters

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Double Life of Ivan Walters"

Podcast: Have A Seat with Chris Hansen
Host: Chris Hansen
Date: August 10, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this compelling episode, Chris Hansen dives into the disturbing case of Ivan Walters—a Department of Defense contractor, father, and Little League coach—who was caught attempting to solicit sex from a 14-year-old boy during a sting operation in Harford County, Maryland. Hansen walks listeners through the meticulous planning, execution, and aftermath of the sting, revealing never-before-heard details of Ivan’s double life, the investigation process, and the devastating collateral damage to families and communities.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Harford County Sting Operation ([00:30] – [07:45])

• Chris Hansen describes conducting the sting in Harford County, MD, emphasizing the everyday backgrounds of many men caught—including married professionals and community figures:
  “Imagine the phone call that was made yesterday to the wife of this man…your husband’s been arrested and you need to get home quickly because the children are alone.” ([01:30])
• Highlights the necessity of these operations:
  “If law enforcement doesn’t conduct these, somebody like this guy is going to meet a teenage boy, sexually exploit them, and then what? Hop right back into Little League practice…” ([02:45])

The Case of Ivan Walters ([04:30] – [13:00])

• Ivan Walters was the first alleged predator in this Harford County investigation—an employee with a government security clearance, married, with children and stepchildren.
• Ivan’s online persona “okblood9844” initiated explicit sexual conversations with the decoy, including discussion of “water sports” and oral sex:
  “He wanted to come…right now. So we had to hustle. We had to get everything into place and we did.” ([07:45])
• Detective Chris Sergeant describes how the sting unfolded:
  “We were hot and heavy on. He was telling me, you know, all the kind of stuff that he wants to do. He's very well aware that I'm 14.” ([08:27]) “He wants to pee on me because it makes him come really hard.” ([09:06])

Ivan’s Attempted Escape & Apprehension ([14:01] – [14:55])

• As Ivan enters, the decoy briefly leaves the room, and Hansen steps in. Ivan tries to run but is apprehended in the mud room—never making it out of the house.

The Confrontation: Interrogation & Rationalizations ([15:01] – [34:13])

• Hansen methodically questions Ivan, who initially tries to deflect and minimize responsibility:
  • Age and Family:
    “How old are your children?” – Hansen ([17:04])
    “14 and 11.” – Ivan
  • Contradictions & Denials:
    “So you have a child the same age as the child you thought you were going to visit...?” ([17:05]) “I’ve never done anything [in]appropriate with them, so just putting that out there.” ([19:30])
    • Notably, Ivan rationalizes:
      “Guess my urges got the best of me.” ([28:52]) “I was vulnerable.” ([29:31])
  • Discusses his previous investigation:
    “I was accused of sending photos to a minor.” ([23:01]) “They took my computers voluntarily ... I was investigated. Nothing came of it.” ([23:29])
• When pressed about the potential trauma to the victim:
  “What do you think the impact would have been…on a 14 year old boy?” – Hansen ([29:56])
  “Probably manipulative...I’m really not sure.” – Ivan ([29:59])
• Ivan cites therapy and internet exposure as influencing factors:
  “I think probably being exposed to the Internet at a young age…and I could not find a way to shut them [the doors]…” ([31:22])
• Hansen exposes Ivan’s rationalizations:
  “So now it’s the fault of the therapist…It's the Internet's fault, the addictive nature?” ([31:07], [31:38])

Ivan Walters’ Sentencing ([34:13] – [35:51])

• Ivan pleaded guilty to sexual solicitation of a minor, receiving:
  • 10 years in prison, all but 12 months suspended
  • Five years probation
  • Tier two sex offender registration for 25 years
  • Mandated sex addiction therapy
• Hansen notes:
  “At his sentencing, he thanked the Harford County Sheriff's Office for stopping him. At least we know where he’ll be for the next 12 months.” ([35:30])
• Ivan’s background showed no prior criminal record except a traffic violation; his social media profiles had been taken down.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the banality of predators:
  “Those are the people sometimes we catch in these stings ... a tutor at a learning center and a Little League coach.” – Chris Hansen ([00:55])
• On Ivan’s rationalization:
  “Curiosity? Curiosity about water sports and sucking each other off with a 14 year old boy?” – Hansen ([32:21])
• On personal responsibility:
  “There’s nobody to blame here but Ivan. Ivan the predator.” – Chris Hansen ([31:42])
• On the impact to families:
  “Painful. It’s betrayal. It’s criminal. And here again we have somebody who got away with it once, got caught again. What would have happened had we not been there?” – Chris Hansen ([27:20])
• Ivan’s admission:
  "Was a choice that I made and I shouldn’t have. Yeah, life is all about choices. Sure is. Really bad. I chose the wrong one.” – Ivan ([33:29])

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Listener Q&A ([37:29] – [38:39])

Question from Angela in Goodyear, AZ, about whether Chris Hansen ever fears for his safety in the stinghouse:

• Hansen admits to feeling anxiety, especially before confronting the first subject of a sting, but emphasizes thorough preparation and law enforcement partners for maximum safety:
  “I'd be lying to you if I said that I was fearless…we prepare…so a lot goes into it and I feel that it’s about as safe as it can possibly be.” ([38:39])

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Important Timestamps & Segments

• [00:30] – Hansen reflects on the pattern of “ordinary” men caught in stings
• [08:27] – Detective Sergeant recounts explicit chat and Ivan’s full awareness of the decoy’s age
• [14:01] – Ivan enters the stinghouse, attempts to flee, and is apprehended
• [15:01] – Hansen’s direct questioning of Ivan begins
• [23:01] – Ivan discusses his prior investigation and therapy for sending explicit photos to a minor
• [34:13] – Final confrontation and details of Ivan’s sentencing
• [37:29] – Listener asks about Chris Hansen’s own sense of danger during sting operations
• [38:39] – Hansen explains his approach to safety and mental preparation for stings

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Tone & Style

Hansen’s trademark relentless, no-nonsense, and slightly sardonic style underpins the entire episode. He oscillates between probing interrogation, sharp moral clarity, and empathy for the victims and families impacted. Ivan, in contrast, vacillates between awkward evasiveness, self-pity, minimal admissions, and superficial regret.

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Conclusion

This episode offers an unflinching look at how predators can hide in plain sight, the sophisticated investigative process that brings them to justice, and the ongoing challenges of detection, offender treatment, and prevention. Hansen’s conversation with Ivan Walters provides chilling insight into the mind of an offender who lived a convincing double life—until he was finally caught.

Transcript

[A]

This episode is brought to you by Facebook. So you were scrolling on Marketplace and there it was, the bike you'd been searching for. You sent a message and it turned out the seller was super chatty, kind of funny, and an avid cyclist. The next thing you know, you're in a cycling crew. Well, a community cycling group. The thing about Facebook, you might find more than what you're looking for from a browse to a bike ride this summer. Find more on Facebook.

[B]

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.

[C]

That's true.

[B]

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. As I record this episode, I am back in Harford County, Maryland. My background doesn't seem as luxurious or TV worthy as it sometimes does. And that's because I'm in my hotel room. We're into day two of the sting. I can tell you about it because you won't listen to this until after the sting is over. But as you know, we partner with the Harford County Sheriff's Office. Great team of investigators already. Among the men we've caught, a father of two, married man who was a tutor at a learning center and a little league coach. His wife works at a very prestigious hospital not far from here. He left his two children, ages 8 and 11, home with a 12 year old friend, a neighbor kid, to meet a 15 year old boy after a sexually charged conversation. Instead, he met me, told me he had made poor choices or choices. Imagine the phone call that was made yesterday to the wife of this man, the mother of his children, at her workplace to say, oh, your husband's been arrested and you need to get home quickly because the children are alone. Oh, they're with a 12 year old who's watching them and his parents are home down the street. Imagine that call. Those are the people sometimes we catch in these stings. And so what's going to happen if we don't conduct these, if law enforcement doesn't conduct these? Somebody like this guy is going to meet a teenage boy, in this case, sexually exploit them and then what? Hop right back into little League practice taking care of his kids? It's horrible the damage that these guys do. And none of them, none of them can articulate exactly why they did it? Except they made a bad decision. Last week in San Francisco, a highly educated Ivy League lawyer showed up. Would only tell me he's broken. Guess what else he's broken? His family. His child. His wife. A prominent dean at a San Francisco law school. He was trying to meet a 13 and 6 year old for sex after chatting with someone he thought was the boy's dad. Let that sink in for a moment. But I think it's particularly a good time to look at the case we're going to examine today. Because this was the very first alleged predator to surface in the very first investigation we conducted here in Harford County, Maryland. We're about 40, 45 minutes outside of Baltimore. This is the same county where we caught the D.C. metro Police lieutenant. It's the same county where we caught the Baltimore public school official who had been teacher of the Year. Now the man I mentioned earlier, and we're not even halfway through the sting yet, but the very first man to show up in our very first Harford county sting was Ivan Walters. He's now 43. Ivan worked for the Department of Defense as a contractor. He had a security clearance. He came to meet a 14 year old boy named Nate after a sexually charged conversation. As you'll see, he tried to run. He didn't get far. And yes, he talked to me. And as you'll hear, ivan had a 14 year old child of his own. Ivan had step kids. Ivan's wife was driving another child I believe to Pennsylvania at the time of his arrest. And now we just learned that Ivan is headed to prison. And I'll give you details on that a little later in this episode. Let's take a look at the police report followed by the detective who actually conducted the chat. At this time, Nate notified the subject being Ivan that his age was 14 and asked if the subject was okay with that. To which he stated, that's cool with me. That's what Ivan said in the chat. At this point, the user with the profile name okblood9844 okayblood9844 that was Ivan's handle online. Stated that he thought they had chatted before previously on an app dedicated to men meeting up with men for sexual encounters. So it appears that Ivan had been chatting with another decoy on the same site. Said his name was Ian. It's actually Ivan. Ivan suggested sexual acts with him, including oral sex. The decoy said he was home alone and then Ivan advised that he was horny. When Nate asked him what he wanted to do, Ivan advised Wish we could suck each other. In other words, oral sex. They then talked about water sports, which Ivan describes as urination on somebody. That's right. This man talked about urinating on this boy. I know it's hard to comprehend this, but this is how twisted this man is. And he's got a security clearance with the Department of Defense, he's got children of his own, and he's online talking to somebody who he thinks is a 14 year old boy, talking about urinating on him, having oral sex. And then he sends a picture of himself. Now, before Ivan shows up, you need to know that we weren't even all the way set up in the sting house. We didn't think he was going to come until the next day, but he wanted to come. Ivan did, right now. So we had to hustle. We had to get everything into place and we did.

[D]

We were hot and heavy on. He was telling me, you know, all the kind of stuff that he wants to do. He's very well aware that I'm 14.

[B]

This is the briefing I got from Detective Chris Sergeant who actually conducted the chat.

[D]

He was explaining that he has wife and a kid. So yes, he has to be careful. All right, so where we're at now in this conversation is he says he's not sure when the wife will be home. He would have to come over now. I said, yeah, it's cool. I'm going to jump in the shower. I'll be ready by the time you get there. So tonight he's talking about he wants to suck each other off.

[B]

And then he tells the boy exactly what he wants to do.

[D]

He wants to do the water sports. He wants to pee on me because it makes him come really hard. Also, I did ask him and I think this is relevant. I said, you're being with a younger guy like me. He goes, yeah, maybe a year or two older than you, but it was a while ago.

[B]

So I'd be 15, 16. And you're 14 in this scenario, Correct? That's right. He admits being with a younger guy before. Maybe not illegal, but certainly wrong. Yeah, Give it about five minutes and then we should be able to send it.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

All right, I'll call you right back.

[D]

All right, so here's what I want to do. I'm going to get a hold of

[B]

of them to figure out where this,

[D]

where our UC is. Right. For sure.

[B]

We're gonna get him.

[D]

I want to get him implanted here before.

[B]

I know that's off chance. Yeah, but now we have to find the actual on site Decoy. Remember that it's an adult detective actually doing the chat. But we need a younger member of the department to get to the house to greet Ivan and hopefully sit down and talk to me before he's arrested. So now the sergeant on site is trying to work that out that this guy is 10 minutes away. Yeah, but see, the guys who go on this particular platform are guys that will meet profile for Secret Life. They got other stuff going on. They got a wife, they got the kids. We had one guy who was the

[D]

CEO of Everyday Galva, the assistant living her show at asap. Yeah. Coming away to send. He's I'm on phone at least three minutes out. Perfect.

[B]

The onside decoy is now two minutes out. He gets there on time. And with little time to spare, here comes Ivan Walters. He leads Ian into the house.

[A]

All right,

[D]

it's crazy.

[B]

Crazy is right. But it's about to get even crazier. More about this predator I've caught in a moment. I've been investigating and pursuing criminals and predators for more than four decades now. But there's a type of predator who's looking to make you a victim. And you may never see it coming. And if you're a homeowner in America, you need to listen to this. The FBI has been warning about a type of real estate fraud on the rise called title theft. And your equity is the target. Here's how it works. Criminals forge your signature on a single document, use a fake notary stamp and file it with the county. And just like that, on record, they own your home using your ownership. They can take out loans against your equity or even sell your property out from under you. And you don't know about it until foreclosure or collection notices show up in the mail. That's why I've partnered with Home Title Lock. So you can protect your equity. And find out today if you're already a victim, use my promo code, Hanson H A N S e [e-mail] and you'll get a free title history report and a free trial of their million dollar triple lock protection. That's 247 monitoring of your title records, urgent alerts to any changes, and if fraud occurs, their US based restoration team will spend up to $1 million to fix it. That's $1 million to fix it. Don't be a victim. Protect your Equity today. That's hometitleog.com, promo code Hansen, H A N S E N. Or use the link below.

[A]

It's finally here.

[B]

Oh, My God.

[A]

The official Chris Hansen Merch store. Now you can join the mission with official Chris Hansen merchandise. Hoodies, tees, mugs, stickers, and more. Shop the full [e-mail] this episode is brought to you by Facebook. So you were scrolling on Marketplace and there it was, the bike you'd been searching for. You sent a message and it turned out the seller was super chatty, kind of funny, and an avid cyclist. The next thing you know, you're in a cycling crew. Well, a community cycling group. The thing about Facebook, you might find more than what you're looking for. From a browse to a bike ride this summer. Find more on Facebook.

[D]

I haven't done anything like this before, so I'm a little nervous too.

[B]

Oh, no, there's nervous chit chat between Ivan and the decoy sometimes.

[D]

Yeah, you might figure out my vape real quick. Sure. Sorry.

[B]

The decoy goes to get his vape. Well, there's no vape. Just me. Hey, I'm gonna need you to sit. No, no, no. Do you don't want to do that. Ivan runs, but he doesn't get far. He stopped by the Harford County Sheriff's team. He never makes it out of the mud room. Ivan comes back into the dining room and I get a chance to speak with him. No running now.

[D]

See, right here. Right.

[B]

Why'd you take off like that? Stupid, stupid. What's your name? Is it Ian? Ivan? Online, he's been using the name Ian as we mentioned earlier, but it's really Ivan and he admits to that as we get into our discussion. And how old are you, Ivan?

[D]

41. 41.

[B]

Tell me how you ended up here tonight.

[D]

It's just in a bad place.

[B]

In a bad place. Tell me about that place you're in.

[D]

Well, where are my glasses?

[B]

They'll find him. During the arrest, Ivan loses his glasses. He wants those, but I want him to answer some questions. He says he's in a bad place. Tell me about that bad place you're in, Ivan.

[D]

I really don't want to say anymore.

[B]

You don't want to say anymore? Well, you were very chatty online with someone who said they're a 14 year old boy. You said you wanted to suck each other off. You talked about water sports. What was that all about?

[D]

Just a fetish.

[B]

Just a fetish. Just a fetish. In other words, you wanted to urinate on the boy to get some sort of sexual gratification. Explain that to me why a 41 year old man would do that.

[D]

Ivan

[B]

you don't know. I don't know isn't a great answer. And so I press further. Are you married? You're married? And how long have you been married, Ivan?

[D]

I have not. I'm gonna explain this.

[B]

How long have you been married?

[D]

Five years.

[B]

Five years. And do you have children?

[D]

Yes.

[B]

And how old are your children?

[D]

14 and 11.

[B]

14 and 11. So you have a child the same age as the child you thought you were going to visit tonight for water sports and oral sex?

[D]

I didn't know what I was getting myself into, obviously.

[B]

Well, you did because you talked to somebody who said they were 14 on a site that is meant for hookups.

[D]

Right.

[B]

Why does somebody go on that site unless they want to meet someone else for sex? Now, if that someone else is an adult, nobody really cares. When it's a child, a whole lot of people can. Yes. We'll get you some water. Ivan's thirsty. He would like some water. Stay right there.

[D]

Don't move.

[B]

You can't move. Okay.

[D]

Here.

[B]

Glasses.

[D]

Thank you.

[B]

And his eyeglasses, which I put on him because he's handcuffed behind his back,

[D]

as you can see.

[B]

Oh, this becomes very difficult because you decided to run. Let me give you a sip. And I have to give him a sip because he's handcuffed.

[D]

Good. Okay.

[B]

How are you going to explain this to your wife?

[D]

Right here?

[B]

Where does she think you are?

[D]

She thinks I'm just loving person. We just came back from a concert.

[B]

What concert did you go see?

[D]

What is it? Ocean's Calling, Mission City.

[B]

Ocean's Calling. And who was playing at the concert?

[D]

All kinds of bands.

[B]

Ivan tells me he was just at a concert with his wife. All good in that relationship, at least for that period of time. They were listening to music. Not so good now. Yeah. And so you hung out with your lovely wife of five years at the concert, did the kids go or you left them behind?

[D]

Just us.

[B]

Just. And who did the kids stay with?

[D]

Their mom.

[B]

Their. Their mom? It's Ivan's second marriage. They have kids and step kids. It's blended. Not for long. Your mom or their mom? Their mom. So your wife is not the mother of those children.

[D]

Okay.

[B]

And the 14 year old child of yours, is that a boy or a girl?

[D]

I have two boys.

[B]

Two boys.

[D]

I've never done anything appropriate with them, so. Just putting that out there.

[B]

Oh, how assuring. He's never done anything appropriate with his children, but it's okay to do it to somebody else's child? You've never done anything appropriate with Your boys?

[D]

Yes. Inappropriate.

[B]

Inappropriate. But you see why there would be some concern here. Because you came here tonight after talking about having oral sex and water sports with a 14 year old boy. And you have a 14 year old

[D]

son

[B]

along with another son. Do those boys live with you? Yes, they do. Halftime. So you share custody with your ex wife? Their mom. And as much as we had to rush to get ready for Ivan, I now have all the time in the world to ask him questions. And how's this going to go over in the divorce agreement? And what do you do for a living, Ivan? A federal employee. Yes, that's right. Government employee. The Department of Defense. And for which branch of the federal

[D]

government do you work?

[B]

Dod. Are you at Aberdeen?

[D]

Yes.

[B]

And what do you do for the Department of Defense?

[D]

Technical writer. Editor.

[B]

You're a what?

[D]

Technical writer. Editor.

[B]

A technical writer and editor. A technical writer and editor who's got a government clearance, a security clearance. And what does that entail?

[D]

Editing reports from other documents.

[B]

About what?

[D]

All kinds of stuff about public health.

[B]

Public health. And is any of this classified?

[D]

No.

[B]

So you're a technical editor and writer handling public health issues for the Department of Defense. And how long have you held that job?

[D]

Over 20 years.

[B]

20 years. And what makes somebody who has such a position of responsibility with the federal government, the Department of Defense, or Department of War as it's being called now, come out on a Monday night at 8:42 to try to have sex with a child?

[D]

It's not good.

[B]

It's not good. Not good. That's the understatement of this evening. What was going on in your mind, Ivan, to make you think this was okay? I don't know isn't a great answer.

[D]

I've had issues before and I went to therapy.

[B]

Now this is important because he admits he's had issues before and he's gone to therapy to deal with those issues. But I got news for you, Ivan, that therapy did not work. And this speaks to the larger issue of punishment, treatment. It raises questions as to whether or not rehabilitation is even possible in some of these cases. And monitoring after these guys have served their sentence. And we'll get into ibit's sentence in just a moment here

[D]

I thought it was under control. Obviously it's not.

[B]

You said you had issues. What were those issues?

[D]

I was accused of sending photos to a minor.

[B]

Yes, that's right. He was investigated earlier, accused of sending inappropriate photos to a minor. There was an intervention, he got therapy and now this.

[D]

I was investigated. Nothing came of it. They took my computers voluntarily.

[B]

Basically what he's saying is that he got a break, he got caught dirty doing something that could have led to a sexual encounter with a minor. And he voluntarily said I'll get help and I won't do it again. But here he is in our sting house trying to engage sexually with a 14 year old boy. And he's got a 14 year old boy at home, his son. If what you've heard shocks you so far, join us. Back in a moment. As you may know, sometimes during our takedown investigations, law enforcement uses dogs to find hidden computers and phones that may contain evidence. But we also know that a lot of you have cats. And that's one of the reasons why I'm so excited that we are partnering with Smalls, creators of fresh human grade food made specifically to help cats thrive. You see, cats are obligate carnivores who need real meat to stay healthy. But big pet food often uses cheap meat byproducts, fillers and artificial ingredients just to save a buck. And your cat pays the price. Smalls is different. Their recipes are over 80% animal protein with zero fillers. In fact, 88% of cat parents noticed better digestion, softer fur and more energy. It's an investment in their health. If you want to invest in your cat's health, Smalls is giving you 60% off your cat's first order plus free shipping and free treats for life when you go to smalls.com Hanson that's 60% off your first order plus free shipping and free treats for life when you head to smalls.com Hansen H A N S E N Take advantage of it

[A]

this episode is brought to you by Facebook. So you were scrolling on Marketplace and there it was, the bike you'd been searching for. You sent a message and it turned out the seller was super chatty and kind of funny and an avid cyclist. The next thing you know, you're in a cycling crew. Well, a community cycling group. The thing about Facebook, you might find more than what you're looking for from a browse to a bike ride this summer. Find more on Facebook.

[B]

So you were investigated for sending sexualized photos to a minor?

[D]

Yes.

[B]

And how old was the child in that case?

[D]

Believe the tip said it was 15.

[B]

15. And what did the pictures show? What was in the pictures?

[D]

It was probably my genitalia.

[B]

Your genitalia? And why would you send pictures of your genitalia to somebody who was 15?

[D]

I wasn't at that time. I. Conversing with people I didn't know.

[B]

And

[D]

I think one of them just happened to be that. And I'm not sure.

[B]

You're not sure. But you got away with it in that case?

[D]

I wouldn't say get away with it.

[B]

You were cleared.

[D]

Yes.

[B]

You were not prosecuted. And have you been investigated for this sort of thing any other time?

[D]

No.

[B]

Have you ever met somebody who was underage online for sex?

[D]

No.

[B]

You know they're going to go through your computers, your phone, the whole thing, so you might as well tell me now.

[D]

I have not.

[B]

You have not.

[D]

Do you have other adults?

[B]

You've met other adult males online for sex? Does your wife know that you have a sexual attraction to men and boys?

[D]

No.

[B]

She knows now. Collateral damage. Painful. It's betrayal. It's criminal. And here again we have somebody who got away with it once, got caught again. What would have happened had we not been there? Had there really been a 14 year old boy willing to meet? I think we all know what Ivan would have done. That's a big secret to keep. From your wife.

[D]

To anybody.

[B]

To anybody. So what do you say to your wife?

[D]

I don't know. She's not gonna be happy, I'm sure.

[B]

No, I think that's the understatement of the evening. She's not going to be happy. What does she do for a living?

[D]

Production analyst.

[B]

Also for dod?

[D]

No. In Pennsylvania.

[B]

In Pennsylvania.

[D]

Sweating. Really bad.

[B]

Yeah, I can imagine you're sweating really bad. You know I asked you not to leave and that would have allowed us to have this conversation with you not in handcuffs. But that's not the choice you made. So you understand why you have to be in handcuffs, right? So you're telling me you've never met anybody underage online for sex in the past and what made you do it tonight?

[D]

Guess my urges got the best of me.

[B]

Your urges got the best of you? What does that say about not just Ivan, but these guys who claim that they were given an opportunity they wouldn't normally take, that it was a one off, just bad judgment that they missed the age or that they were coming over just to help the kid. Ivan admits that he's got a history of this sort of thing and I don't think he's the only one we've caught who has that history.

[D]

I was vulnerable.

[B]

You were vulnerable. So you're the victim here?

[D]

No.

[B]

And now he's going to tell me he's the vulnerable one. God. What do you think the impact would have been on a 14 year old boy had you in fact met one tonight and engaged in oral Sex, as you said, suck each other off and water sports. What do you think the impact on a 14 year old boy would have been?

[D]

Probably manipulative.

[B]

Manipulative? You don't think that could have wreck somebody's psyche for the rest of their lives?

[D]

I'm really not sure.

[B]

You're not sure? Do you think it would have been a good thing to teach this boy about sex?

[D]

No.

[B]

No. And how would you feel, Ivan, if somebody came over to the house where your 14 year old boy was and engaged in sex acts with him? How would you feel about that?

[D]

Probably enraged.

[B]

You would be enraged. That's right. If somebody tried to do this with his 14 year old, he'd be enraged. So why is it okay for Ivan? Well, it's not. We know that. It's criminal. Even Ivan knows that. But he did it. And what would you do to that man? What would you do?

[D]

I. I don't know.

[B]

You don't know? So what should happen to you then?

[D]

Like, I do need help.

[B]

You do need help?

[D]

Yes.

[B]

But you've sought help in the past, you've had therapy.

[D]

Yes, but I didn't dive deep enough.

[B]

So now it's the fault of the therapist who didn't dig deep enough. You didn't dive deep enough. Is there anything in your past, in your childhood, in your history that would make you have a proclivity towards underaged,

[D]

I think males, I think probably being exposed to the Internet at a young age and opened those doors and I could not find a way to shut them.

[B]

All right, so it's the Internet's fault, the addictive nature?

[D]

Yes.

[B]

He blames the Internet for opening the door, allowing him to explore the notion of sex with young men, boys, in this case, it's not the Internet's fault. Contributing factor, maybe. There's nobody to blame here but Ivan. Ivan the predator. The anonymity.

[D]

Yes.

[B]

Did you at all think on the way over here that it might have been a bad idea?

[D]

Yes.

[B]

And why did you, in spite of that, continue?

[D]

I guess curiosity.

[B]

Curiosity? Curiosity about water sports and sucking each other off with a 14 year old boy?

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

Not good.

[B]

Not good. Not good at all.

[D]

I knew better.

[B]

You knew better, but you did it anyway?

[D]

I regret him.

[B]

Yeah, I would think so. And now, just in case Ivan doesn't know who I am or what I'm doing, I'm gonna tell him straight up. Well, Ivan, there's something else you need to know. And that is? I'm Chris Hansen and I do stories on men who try to sexually exploit children and you are now in one of those stories. Is there anything else you want people to know about what you did tonight and the situation you are in now?

[D]

Don't do it.

[B]

Don't do it. And what do you say to your wife?

[D]

I'm so sorry. To do this.

[B]

You didn't mean to do it, but you did.

[D]

Was a choice that I made and I shouldn't have. Yeah, life is all about choices. Sure is. Really bad. I chose the wrong one.

[B]

And you see why it would be difficult for somebody like me to believe you've never done this before. Yeah, it makes it hard for me to believe that. And if you were me, would you believe that? Probably wouldn't. All right. So what should happen to you now, Ivan? How do we make sure you never try to hook up with a child again?

[D]

It can be some kind of.

[B]

Intervention.

[D]

Yes.

[B]

Okay. Well, you're going to get some intervention tonight, Ivan, because the people with the Harford County Sheriff's Office are here and they're going to take the situation over at this point. Okay. Anything else you have to say to me? Okay, well, they're going to take it from here. Ivan was charged with crimes associated with solicitation of a minor for sex. On June 4, 2026, he pleaded guilty to sexual solicitation of a minor. And within the last week or so, he accepted a sentence of 10 years in prison. Suspended, but for 12 months. So he has to serve 12 months in prison. He will then face five years probation and he will be a tier two registered sex offender, which means he'll be listed for 25 years. He will get his mandated sex offender sex addiction therapy. At his sentencing, he thanked the Harford County Sheriff's Office for stopping him. At least we know where he'll be for the next 12 months. And they should keep pretty good track of him for the 25 years after. We wanted to know anything we could find about Ivan's background, Ivan Walter's background. And that's one of the reasons we partnered with Truthfinder. Truthfinder allows me during these stings. And it allows you potentially to learn a whole lot about people with whom you're dealing with criminal histories, social media sites. It also allows you to reverse check a phone number you keep getting calls from. Ivan's truth finder record shows that, in fact, he was charged in this case. But other than a traffic violation, he's not had any trouble with the law before. His social media sites, including his LinkedIn page, have been taken down since his arrest. Truthfinder works for me, and it can work for you. For more information, go to truthfinder.com forward/ Predators and learn more. More of our story in a moment.

[A]

This episode is brought to you by Facebook. So you were scrolling on marketplace and there it was, the bike you'd been searching for. You sent a message, message and it turned out the seller was super chatty, kind of funny, and an avid cyclist. The next thing you know, you're in a cycling crew. Well, a community cycling group. The thing about Facebook, you might find more than what you're looking for, from a browse to a bike ride this summer. Find more on Facebook.

[B]

As you know, I like to hear from you. And this week's question comes from Angela in Goodyear, Arizona.

[C]

Hi, Chris. My name is Angela. I'm from Goodyear, Arizona. I've been a big fan of all your work for many, many years, and I just admire you so much and everything you're doing for all the communities in America. Keeping everybody safer. I've always admired your courage and professionalism in confronting some of the most dangerous people imaginable. As a viewer, I often wondered whether you ever fear for your life when a predator walks into the stinghouse and realizes what is happening in those tense moments when emotions are running high and the person may feel trapped. Do you ever worry about your own safety or the safety of your crew? Your amazing ability to remain calm and composed in such unpredictable situations is remarkable, and I would be interested in knowing how you prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for those encounters. Thank you for entertaining my question. I look forward to hearing from you and keep up your fantastic work.

[B]

Well, thank you, Angela. I think it was the French scientist and philosopher Marie Curie who said, in life, there is nothing to fear, only to understand. Now, I'd be lying to you if I said that I was fearless. There are some anxious moments, especially as I prepare to confront the very first guy of any particular sting. I have anxiety about it, of course, but we prepare. We work with our law enforcement partners to make sure the sting house or the area where the arrest takes place is secure, that everybody is absolutely as safe as they can be. My crew, myself and law enforcement, the decoys, everybody. So a lot goes into it, and I feel that it's about as safe as it can possibly be. Obviously, the edgy nature of it is part of what makes these episodes so compelling. But thank you for your compliments and thank you for your concern. It really is just a matter of focus and knowing what this guy did, knowing as much about him as we can, and getting inside his head. 22 years we've been doing these investigations, there seems to be no end in sight. But we'll keep at it, Angela. I promise you. You can find me all over social media. Hishensenonx Official Chris Hansen on Instagram have a C with with Chris Hansen on TikTok cameo should you desire Fantasy football season is approaching my streaming crime network True Blue. Watch trueblue.com for details. Every Thursday, another episode of Takedown drops. It's amazing some of the episodes we have coming out. Watch trueblue.com for details. And as always, you can find me right [e-mail] I'll be watching Endless. Athletic Brewing Company crafts award winning non alcoholic beers for those who want to be part of every round. With over 185 flavor awards, there are exceptional NA beers that fit your lifestyle and any social occasion. Summer's full of good times and Athletic fits right in. Go to athleticbrewing.com to have brews delivered to your door or find them at a bar, restaurant or store near you. Near Beer Athletic Brewing Co. Fit for all Times.