Man Tells Police he Wanted to be Killed by “Pedophile Hunters” After Getting Caught in ACSO Child Predator Sting Operation
Editor’s Notes: The booking photo appears to be absent from the local jail booking log due to a prior order sealing arrest records that has since been lifted. A photo will be posted if it becomes available.
On July 31, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Ean Leigh McMunn, 21, and charged him with online child solicitation, traveling to meet a minor after online solicitation, explicitly or harmfully communicating with a minor and using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony. The arrest was made in connection to a child predator sting that ACSO dubbed “Operation Firewall.” ACSO announced McMunn's arrest on Tuesday along with 15 others who were charged with similar offenses.
An undercover (UC) law enforcement officer made contact with McMunn using the Grindr dating application.
McMunn used the name "lurking” for his Grindr account. McMunn initiated a sexually charged conversation with UC before asking her age, stating he is okay with her being young. McMunn asked for her specific age because he didn’t want to “catch a case,” in his words.
UC identified themselves as a 14-year-old girl and McMunn immediately asked if she was law enforcement and to prove it if not. McMunn told UC he wanted a face picture with his name written on a piece of paper, and UC complied with his request. McMunn then reaffirmed that he wanted to hang out.
Deputy Ryan Depete reported, “A recorded phone call takes place directly before McMunn was enroute to meet. During this conversation McMunn reconfirms that he still wishes to meet and do the sexual things they spoke about doing together. McMunn details that he knows law enforcement routinely engages in operations to catch subjects who would attempt to victimize juveniles for sexual needs. McMunn said he was not going to tell the UC what vehicle he would be in until he saw her at the meet location. McMunn said he would go to the meet location and canvas the area. McMunn said if he sees anything that looks like a sting operation he would vacate the area. Arrangements were made for McMunn and UC to meet at the WaWa Gas Station located at 2305 NW 13th St, Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida. McCunn traveled to the location in a 2019 Kia Optima bearing FL/GLGN88 (Maroon in color) to meet with the UC, where he was met by law enforcement and taken into custody. McMunn was transported to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office to be interviewed.”
After being advised of his Miranda rights, McMunn reportedly “acknowledged that he communicated with a 14-year-old girl and that he wanted to engage in sexual activity with the juvenile.” McMunn then stated that he was suicidal and believed he was talking to “pedophile hunters” as seen on YouTube, and he was hoping to be killed by them.
There are a number of individuals and groups on YouTube who engage in child predator investigations. Following in the footsteps of Chris Hansen, a wide variety of YouTube predator hunters have gained popularity in recent years by engaging with men seeking to sexually abuse children and punishing them through public embarrassment, violence, or criminal prosecution.
Prosecutors are seeking a pretrial detention order against McMunn. Their motion will be heard in Judge James Colaw's courtroom at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, August 6.
