Southern California man arrested for sex crimes involving a minor after sting operation

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department arrested 65-year-old Thomas Patrick Hannett. Investigators said the Hesperia native believed he was talking to a 14-year-old girl on an online chat site, but it was an investigator conducting an undercover operation. (SBCD)

A Hesperia man was arrested after he allegedly attempted to engage in sexual acts with a minor but ended up talking to an undercover officer instead.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said 65-year-old Thomas Patrick Hannett contacted what he believed to be a 14-year-old girl through an anonymous chat website.

Instead, Hannett wrote a message to a detective conducting undercover operations. According to authorities, Hannett ensured that communication with what he believed to be a young girl continued outside of the chat site.

During their communication, Hannett agreed to meet with the undercover person to engage in sexual acts. The Hesperia native was arrested May 9 and charged with lewd acts with a minor, contacting a minor for lewd purposes and arranging a meeting with a minor to commit a sex crime.

Hannett is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Investigators believe there could be other victims. Anyone who has been in contact with Hannett or has additional information is asked to contact Detective Wendy Winegar of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Crimes Against Children Unit at 909-890-4904.

Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call the We-Tip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.