Carnival Worker Arrested in Nebraska State Fair Sting After Trying to Meet Teen Girl
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – A 46-year-old carnival worker was arrested at the Nebraska State Fair this week after police say he attempted to arrange a meeting with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl.
Undercover Sting Leads to Arrest
Authorities identified the suspect as Todd Brown, who worked as a contract employee for Wade Shows Carnival. According to investigators, Brown began communicating with an undercover officer on social media, thinking he was speaking with a teenage girl.
Police say Brown referred to explicit sex acts during the exchange and arranged a meeting with the officer. When he showed up, officers arrested him on the spot.
“We want to extend our immense appreciation to Nebraska State Patrol, Double Locked Security, and the Lincoln Police Department for their thorough monitoring, quick action, and lock-step communication with the fair,” said State Fair Executive Director Jaime Parr.Charges and Legal Proceedings
Court records show Brown has been charged with using an electronic device to commit sexual assault. He was booked into the Hall County Jail on a $100,000 bond, with his next court appearance set for September 18.
State Fair officials stressed that no guests were involved in the incident and confirmed that Brown has since been banned from the fairgrounds.
Community Response
Fair organizers said they were relieved law enforcement intervened before any direct contact with minors occurred.
“Our event continues to be a safe and welcoming place for families to make memories,” Parr added in her statement.
Do you think carnival operators should implement stricter background checks for workers at state fairs to prevent cases like this? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
