Bikers Against Predators Assist In Child Solicitation Arrest
Staff Report
Mitchell Todd Frantz
SYRACUSE — An Elkhart man was arrested after an online group that works to expose child predators allegedly caught him planning to engage in sexual activity with a 14-year-old.
Mitchell Todd Frantz, 49, 23557 Pleasantwood Court, Elkhart, is charged with child solicitation, a level 5 felony.
On Dec. 31, 2021, a Syracuse Police officer responded to a complaint of an adult man soliciting a 14-year-old girl at a gas station. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with a man who said he worked for an organization called Bikers Against Predators. A participant in the organization served as a 14-year-old decoy child while trying to catch child predators.
According to court documents, the man said that Frantz was at the gas station with intentions to meet with and pick up a 14-year-old girl. The man said he had copies of all conversations between his organization and Frantz.
The officer approached Frantz, who seemed very nervous and upset. When asked if Frantz knew why the officer was there, Frantz replied, “I made a very bad decision.” Frantz said he had been talking with who he thought was a 14-year-old girl and was going to meet her at the gas station. Frantz also said he thought he and the girl would possibly engage in sexual activity.
According to court paperwork:
On Nov. 29, Frantz first made contact with the decoy on a social media app while using a false name. During the conversation, Frantz was told the child’s age and asked for some sexy pictures.
On Dec. 1, Frantz once again talked with the decoy and asked about the child’s sexual experiences.
On Dec. 31, Frantz talked with the decoy and agreed to meet at the Syracuse gas station, with the intent of engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old child. When Frantz arrived at the gas station, he was confronted by Bikers Against Predators, who were live-streaming the encounter on social media.
Frantz has already been arrested and released on bond. He has an initial hearing at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 31, in Kosciusko Superior Court One.