CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man, who messaged what he thought was a 15-year old girl suggesting they have sex, is facing multiple felony charges.
Ryan William Altmeyer, 41, is charged with felony counts of criminal attempt/statutory sexual assault, criminal attempt/sexual assault and criminal attempt/corruption of minors in connection with his attempt to meet up with the girl in Lower Witmer Park on Nov. 20.
Altmeyer waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court, sending the case on to the court of common pleas for further disposition. He is being held in the county jail in lieu of $200,000 bail.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, police were contacted by a representative of 814 Pred Hunters group regarding Altmeyer who had been exchanging messages with two of their decoys who were posting online as 15-year old girls.
They reported that Altemeyer asked for pictures of them in specific clothing and messaged about meeting up. He discussed sexual positions with them.
At different times, he asked if they were decoys, which they denied.
He reportedly stated that he wanted a relationship and “not just sex”, and also talked about them showering together.
After one of them told her that her aunt was dying and started messaging him less, he started messaging her even more. They made plans for the “15-year old girl” to take a bus from Curwensville and meet him in Clearfield at the park.
Clearfield Regional Police were advised by the group of his arrival and officers were set up to wait for him nearby. When he appeared, they made contact with him and took him into custody.
In an interview with investigators, Altmeyer denied intending to have sex with her. Instead he stated that he only wanted to “hangout” and “I figured if it was going to happen, it would happen,” according to the report.
814 Pred Hunters are a local group who has been working with decoys online to catch potential child predators for over two years.
