Fallston baseball coach arrested in Harford County child‑solicitation sting; arrest recorded on ‘Takedown’
Harford County authorities have arrested Robert “Joe” Swarthout, 41, a Fallston Recreation baseball coach, after investigators say he attempted to meet an undercover deputy posing as a 15‑year‑old boy during a weeklong joint sting recorded for Chris Hansen’s Takedown.
According to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Swarthout used an online app to communicate with the undercover deputy and continued the conversation even after being repeatedly told the supposed teen’s age. Detectives say he arranged a meeting and was taken into custody upon arrival. He now faces two felony counts related to the solicitation of a minor.
Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler confirmed Hansen’s team was present throughout the operation, calling the case “deeply troubling” and emphasizing that the suspect was a trusted community figure responsible for guiding youth. The sting marks the second collaboration between the sheriff’s office and Takedown, following a 2025 operation that resulted in nine arrests.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s dedicated tip line at cactips@harfordsheriff.org.
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(Sources: Harford County Sheriff’s Office, WMAR, WBFF)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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