Bryant Moreland, formerly known online as EDP445, has been arrested and charged in connection with sex crimes in Bakersfield, California. The arrest is a new development in a case that drew attention in 2021 but did not result in charges at the time.
KGET reported the arrest. Chris Hansen said the Kern County District Attorney’s Office issued a warrant for Moreland and that he was taken into custody near a dialysis clinic in the Las Vegas area. Hansen also said Kern County sheriff’s detectives traveled to Nevada to interview Moreland, with extradition proceedings expected to begin in the coming weeks.
The case returned to focus after the release of Mike Clum’s documentary, “The Sick Mind of EDP445,” which includes an interview with Moreland and Hansen. The film revisits the 2021 sting and discusses additional allegations involving minors. Hansen said Moreland’s statements in the documentary provided prosecutors with enough information to seek a warrant.
In April 2021, Moreland was confronted at a Bakersfield apartment complex by Predator Poachers, whose adult decoy had posed as a 13-year-old girl. The incident became known as the “cupcake” sting after Moreland said he had come to pick up a cupcake. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office investigated, but no charges were filed. Reports later described concerns about the civilian-run operation, evidence handling and cooperation with investigators.
Moreland had previously faced allegations of soliciting and grooming an underage girl online, but the case stalled over a lack of evidence. The report does not specify the current charges, bail amount or next court date. Moreland is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Sources: Dexerto.