Predator Hasselbrink Nabbed: Lured 15-Year-Old Online

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Derek Hasselbrink, 48, of Quincy, Illinois, is facing federal charges after allegedly posing as a 17-year-old boy online to prey on a 15-year-old girl in Dutchess County, New York. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the FBI announced Hasselbrink’s arrest this morning, revealing a disturbing pattern of online grooming and attempted exploitation.

According to federal prosecutors, between April and July 2, 2023, Hasselbrink, a convicted sex offender, engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the minor, identified as “Victim-1.” The alleged predator then traveled to meet the girl near her home, intending to engage in sexual activity. Hasselbrink’s deception extended to actively concealing his age and history, a blatant disregard for the law and the well-being of a child.

“As alleged, Derek Hasselbrink, a 48-year-old convicted sex offender, pretended to be a 17-year-old boy online in an effort to coerce and entice a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity,” stated U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. “Hasselbrink allegedly knew that his victim was a minor, so he lied about his own age and took other measures to hide his unlawful intent. This Office will continue to relentlessly pursue predators who sexually exploit children, whether online or in person.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith didn’t mince words, calling Hasselbrink’s actions “dark and twisted.” He stated that Hasselbrink, “having failed to register as a previously convicted sex offender – allegedly seduced and coerced a minor female to participate in illicit sexual activity through lewd and horrifyingly explicit messages.” Smith emphasized the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.

Hasselbrink has been charged with one count of enticing a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, a crime carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a potential life sentence. He is also charged with committing this offense while already required to register as a sex offender, adding another mandatory minimum of 10 years to be served consecutively. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marcia Cohen and Kingdar Prussien of the White Plains Division.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Derek Hasselbrink, a/k/a “Derek Spear,” or who believes their child may have had contact with him, to immediately contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or through the FBI’s online tip portal at https://tips.fbi.gov. The investigation involved collaboration between the FBI, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, Quincy, Illinois Police Department, Adams County States Attorney’s Office, Office of the Attorney General of Kentucky, and multiple FBI field offices.