‘Predator catcher’ sentenced to 4 years on stalking, DWI charges
(ABC 6 News) – A self-proclaimed “predator catcher” was sentenced to 48 months, or 4 years at the MN Correctional Facility in St. Cloud after being convicted of stalking–third or subsequent violation in 10 years, as well as 5th-degree assault–two or more convictions within 3 years, and pleading guilty to two DWI charges.
Chase Taner Johnston received 105 days’ credit for time already spent at the Olmsted County ADC.
Johnston was also sentenced to 5 years’ probation after release, according to Minnesota Court Records Online.
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(ABC 6 News) – A self-proclaimed “predator catcher” filed a motion for a probation-only sentence.
Chase Taner Johnston pleaded guilty to two DWI charges in September, and was convicted of stalking and 5th-degree assault related to an attempt to “catfish” a man by jury trial.
He was scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 1, but instead filed a motion requesting a probation-only sentence.
Johnston, a self-professed “Midwest Predator Catcher,” is known for using dating and messaging apps to message grown men while in the guise of a child or teenager, setting up a meeting, then attempting to film the men.
He has faced numerous charges for also attacking the subjects of these “stings.”
According to his motion, Johnston completed chemical use treatment in the past two years, and claimed Johnston “got caught up in the moment and allowed his passions to get the better of him,” regarding the harassment and assault charges.
Johnston’s sentencing was rescheduled for Dec. 2.
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(ABC 6 News) – A self-proclaimed “predator catcher” is currently held without bail or bond while he awaits his Olmsted County sentencing.
Chase Taner Johnston stood trial on stalking, assault, and false imprisonment charges Sept. 17-20.
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On Friday, he was acquitted of the false imprisonment charge, but convicted of stalking–third or subsequent violation in 10 years, as well as 5th-degree assault–two or more convictions within 3 years.
Johnston’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 1.
Johnston, a self-professed “Midwest Predator Catcher,” is known for using dating and messaging apps to message grown men while in the guise of a child or teenager, setting up a meeting, then attempting to film the men.
RELATED: Dodge Center man arrested for child porn, solicitation – ABC 6 News – kaaltv.com
He has faced numerous charges for also attacking the subjects of these “stings.”
He also claimed to have attempted to catch former Olmsted County deputy Mathew Adamson in an attempt to solicit sex from a child roughly a year and a half before a
Johnston pleaded guilty to domestic assault in October of 2022, and to 5th-degree assault in July of 2023, after assaulting a man during a catfishing attempt where Johnston pretended to be a teenager seeking advice on coming out to his parents.
Those convictions upgraded his 2023 assault and stalking charges.
Johnston also pleaded guilty to 2022 and 2023 DWI charges on Sept. 10.
Those sentencings are also scheduled for Nov. 1.