Harford County arrests two men in child solicitation sting

Two men were arrested in Harford County, Maryland, following a joint sting operation between local law enforcement and the television program "Takedown," hosted by Chris Hansen.

Kenneth Goedeke, 45, a deacon of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and former Catholic school teacher, was charged with two counts of sexually soliciting a minor. Investigators allege Goedeke engaged with an undercover deputy posing as a 15-year-old boy on a website designed for sexual encounters. The Archdiocese has suspended Goedeke from ministry and employment pending a full investigation.

Robert "Joe" Swarthout, 41, a baseball coach, was also arrested on two felony counts related to the solicitation of a minor. Authorities state Swarthout used an app to communicate with an undercover deputy posing as a teenager. Charging documents indicate he arranged to meet the individual in person and allegedly sent sexually explicit messages and photos.

Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler stated that the arrests are part of an ongoing effort to confront individuals attempting to approach children, noting that the partnership with the "Takedown" team has uncovered multiple individuals attempting to communicate with minors.