I saw the first reports yesterday afternoon, and began receiving emails last night; I’ve been waiting to see what shakes out before going public, perhaps out of some misguided 20th Century sense of propriety… but now I must admit it looks like this story has legs: Ritter’s attorney confirms arrest.

A possible explanation for Ritter’s 180-degree change of opinion on Iraq: what if he’s being blackmailed?

UPDATE: several people point out that if Ritter thought he was talking to a 16-year old, his offense is technically not pedophilia. So I’ve technically changed the title of this entry from “Scott Ritter: Pedophile?” to “Scott Ritter: Perv?”

But then again, here’s an update from WRGB local news that says it wasn’t the first time Ritter was busted. (Hat tip: dennisw.)

More details are emerging on the arrest of former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter. The Delmar resident was arrested by Colonie police in June of 2001 on a misdemeanor charge. And Channel 6 News has learned that Ritter had been issued a warning after being caught by police once before. Colonie police will not confirm any of this, but Channel 6 News learned that Ritter was caught in a sex sting early in 2001. He was issued a warning then, but eventually arrested for the same thing three months later. Ritter, who has made national headlines for speaking out against going to war with Iraq is keeping silent on this issue. He has been unavailable for comment since details of his arrest were made public. In June of 2001, Ritter was accused of engaging in a sexual discussion, on the Internet with a person who he thought, was a 14 year old girl. It was actually an undercover investigator who agreed to meet with Ritter. When Ritter arrived at the location, expecting to meet the girl, police warned him that he had been set up. Three months later Ritter allegedly fell into the same trap, only this time he was arrested.

Maybe I should change that title back.