Famous CT Television Sleuth Busted On Bad Check Charge

STAMFORD, CT — He's made a career out of catching criminals, but on Monday television journalist and Stamford resident Chris Hansen became an alleged one himself.

The former host of "To Catch a Predator" surrendered to Stamford police and was arrested on a warrant charging him with issuing a bad check in connection with allegedly bouncing thousands of dollars worth of checks to Stamford-based Promotional Sales Ltd., according to Stamford police.

In the summer of 2017, the Bedford Street business sold Hansen hundreds of promotional products - mugs, t-shirts and decals - which cost almost $13,000.

Stamford Police Sgt. Sean Scanlan tells Patch that at that point is when the trouble allegedly started.

"He then gives them a check that bounces," said Scanlan. "The owner and Hansen go back and forth for a period of time and in April 2018 another check is given by Hansen, that bounces as well. The owner of the company contacts us and we begin to look into the matter. We reach out to Hansen who refuses to speak to us."

The Stamford Police Department then obtained a warrant for Hansen's arrest and he turned himself in on the 14th. He was released on a written promise to appear in Stamford Superior Court at the end of the month.

Patch reached out to Peter Psichopaidas, owner of Promotional Sales Ltd., for comment but did not receive a reply. Hansen could not be reached for comment.

At one point, Hansen, who resides in the Shippan section of Stamford, allegedly apologized repeatedly to Psichopaidas for the mishap, even claiming to have sold a boat to get the money to pay the business, writes the Stamford Advocate.

Photo: Chris Hansen. Photo credit: Stamford Police Department

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