A Compton man has been charged with using the hookup site Grindr to lure more than 20 gay men into dates that tuned into robberies, sometimes at knife point, over the past two years, according to an indictment unsealed Monday. Patterson pleaded guilty last year to federal charges stemming from similar behavior, but the media attention surrounding his arrest led other victims to come forward, according to Deputy Dist. Richard Ceballos. The robberies took place between March and March , ending just weeks before Patterson was arrested in Inglewood last year.
In at least two incidents, Patterson attacked his victims with a knife, prosecutors allege. Sometimes Patterson would order the men to leave their doors unlocked and wait for him in a bedroom, then begin ransacking their homes.
In some cases, Patterson would have sex with the victims and steal money by using their phones during intercourse, Ceballos said.
Patterson ultimately received a nine-year federal prison sentence as part of a plea deal. He was transferred out of federal custody to Los Angeles for an arraignment last week, where he pleaded not guilty. If convicted of all charges, he faces up to 60 years in prison, Ceballos said.
Ceballos also expressed frustration with Grindr. The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. De Los. Times Everywhere. For Subscribers. All Sections. LA Times Studios.
