Undercover Sting Arrest: Montana Man Targeting Child Online

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 12, 2026, around 1:41 pm, an online application user, later identified as 24-year-old Matthew Tsuber, requested to connect with another online application profile that was being used by a detective. The latter profile depicts a fictitious young female who quickly messaged Tsuber that she was 12 years of age or younger. Upon learning of the believed child’s age, Tsuber responded: “Yeah I’m not sure about that” in relation to the age. The detective replied, “Oh k whatev [peace sign emoji]”. Tsuber then responded: “You want to hook up?” Tsuber then asked for a photo of the believed child.  

The above messages were all exchanged in less than one minute. The conversation continued, with the detective stating, “I mean I’m cool if ur cool lol”. Tsuber replied, “Ya just don’t say that I raped you [laughing emoji]”. Tsuber again asked for a photo, to which the detective replied that Tsuber could send one first. Tsuber then sent a photograph clearly depicting the face of a person law enforcement has identified as Matthew Tsuber. 

The detective replied with a photo of a young-appearing female fully clothed. To that photo, Tsuber replied with sexual suggestions. Tsuber then sent a picture of an erect penis. The purported child again confirmed her age as 12 or younger.  

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Troubling Intentions to Meet

Tsuber eventually suggested he could meet the believed child and bring her over to his home that same day on August 12th. Tsuber stated she could spend the night with him. Tsuber then travelled from Bonner into Missoula, but due to the logistics of getting back to Bonner, went back to Bonner without meeting the believed child.  

The detective then stated that it was okay if Tsuber did not want to meet up. Tsuber confirmed he still wanted to meet and that they would the next day. The detective again assured Tsuber it was okay if he had changed his mind due to the young age. Tsuber replied: “Age is just a number; I do want to chill”.  

On August 13, in the morning, Tsuber reengaged with the conversation, which quickly led to Tsuber expressing his desire to engage in sexual conduct with the purported child. Arrangements to meet up proceeded. The detective provided another off-ramp opportunity by stating the purported child was feeling nervous. Tsuber reassured her he would take care of her and take her home to “hang with you and do things to you”.  

Undercover Arrest: The Culmination of Deception

On August 13, in the afternoon, Tsuber traveled from Bonner to another location, which was agreed upon and arranged within the messages, within Missoula County, to meet up with the purported child. There, Tsuber was arrested without incident. One of the arresting officers observed a phone on Tsuber’s person that had an unlocked screen open to the messaging application that the detective had been utilizing to communicate with Tsuber the past two days.  

Tsuber told law enforcement that he travelled into town from Bonner to purchase cologne. When told that law enforcement had his messages between himself and the purported child, Tsuber admitted connecting with a child online who was 12 or younger. According to court documents, he did acknowledge that he had been given several opportunities to disengage from the conversation. Tsuber confirmed he had arranged for at least oral sex with the believed child. Tsuber also confirmed he sent the believed child a picture of Tsuber’s penis. 

Knowing of a past and now pending hands-on-offense investigation, Detectives asked Tsuber if there have been any past allegations related to Tsuber and other children. Tsuber denied the existence of any allegations. Detectives informed him they knew of a child who described sexual contact with Tsuber when Tsuber was 18 years of age, and she was 9 years of age. Tsuber's countenance quickly changed as he became flushed while beginning to perspire. Tsuber did seem aware of the allegation and only admitted to touching the then 9-year-old “on her bottom.” That investigation is ongoing.  

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

A white crystalline substance was found in the wallet found on Tsuber’s person, to which he admitted was methamphetamine, but denied planning on offering it to the child he had hoped to meet. 

Tsuber is currently being charged with felony sexual abuse of children - sexual communication - 12 or younger, felony sexual abuse of children – travel - 12 or younger, felony indecent exposure to a minor, and felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs. His bond was set at $100,000. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.