COLUMBUS, Ohio (LEX 18) — Kyle Snyder, the Olympic gold medalist wrestler, was arrested in Ohio on May 9 as part of an undercover prostitution sting led by the Columbus Division of Police (CDP). Snyder, 29, was one of 16 men taken into custody during the operation aimed at reducing prostitution in the area.
According to a statement from the Columbus Division of Police, the sting took place at a hotel on the city’s north side, where Snyder allegedly responded to an online ad posted by undercover officers. Police say Snyder arranged to meet an officer and paid cash for sex. He was arrested at the scene, issued a summons to appear in court on May 19, and released on-site.
Snyder is a three-time Olympic wrestler in the 97kg freestyle wrestling category. He made history in 2016 when he became the youngest Olympic champion in U.S. wrestling history. Snyder also earned silver at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and finished fourth in the Paris 2024 Olympics. In addition, Snyder is a three-time world champion and won three NCAA championships while attending Ohio State University.
The undercover operation, conducted by the Police And Community Together Unit, aimed to reduce prostitution by publishing ads to solicit individuals to engage in sexual activity for hire. It was around 8:15 p.m. that Snyder allegedly contacted the officers in response to one of the ads, leading to the setup at the hotel.
Snyder, a Maryland native, is married to Maddie Pack, a former collegiate soccer player. His father, Steve Snyder, is a former collegiate football player and now works as a criminal investigator with the Department of Homeland Security.
It remains unclear whether Snyder has retained legal counsel. Further details are expected after his upcoming court appearance.
