Crime & Safety

Alleged Child Predator Arrested in Watertown Sting

Paul R. Hinkel was arrested in a sting operation.

A Connecticut man was arrested in Watertown this week during a sting operation targeting child predators.

Paul R. Hinkel, 56, from Chester, Conn., was arrested Wednesday.

Police said Hinkel responded to a Craigslist advertisement placed by undercover Homeland Security agents using the name "Lisa Richards" and seeking a man interested in a relationship involving her daughter. On Wednesday, police said Hinkel drove to Watertown to meet with the fictional daughter. He carried a bag that had "sexual paraphernalia," cologne, and a stuffed animal, according to police.

Hinkel will remain in custody pending a hearing in U.S. District Court March 24.

"We vigorously pursue defendants who intend to use the Internet to evade detection and to infringe on the protections of children," said U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz in a statement.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.

More from Watertown