COPPERAS COVE, TX — A Copperas Cove man arrested for allegedly soliciting a minor spoke exclusively to 25 News, saying the situation is one big misunderstanding.
Last week, six men were arrested in a child exploitation sting operation in Copperas Cove by the Attorney General's Office.
Jesse Quidachay says a casual meet-up with someone he believed was an adult landed him in jail. Now he wants other people who use dating apps to make sure the person they are communicating with is actually the age they say they are.
"Yes I was wrongfully accused," said Quidachay.
Quidachay said he didn't realize he was meeting up with a minor until it was too late.
He claims the person didn't tell him they were underage until he pulled into the driveway, but police arrested him.
He said he suffered a black eye and a broken nose during the take-down.
But Copperas Cove police isn’t buying his story.
Earlier this week, police released details about the investigation.
"Usually the person on the other end is already aware of this individual's reported age and knowing that they still solicit them for sexual acts," said Lt. Steve O'Neal with the Copperas Cove Police Department.
Quidachay said he was using an app called Grindr. In the app users can post any age they want without it being verified.
Quidachay said he's waiting for his court date so he can and clear his name.
For now, he is warning people to be more cautious on dating apps before they end up behind bars.
