Compton Man Re-Sentenced to 87 Months for Grindr Robberies

Derrick Patterson's original sentence was vacated on appeal, leading to a new 87-month term.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A federal judge in Los Angeles has re-sentenced Derrick Patterson, a Compton resident, to 87 months in prison after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated part of his original sentence in a case involving Grindr-linked robberies. Prosecutors say Patterson used the dating app to lure men to homes or hotel rooms, then robbed or assaulted them.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of criminals using dating apps to target and victimize vulnerable individuals. It also demonstrates the complexities of federal sentencing guidelines, particularly around hate crime enhancements and identity theft charges.

The details

According to the FBI, Patterson's charged conduct ran from November 2019 through April 2022. In some incidents, he allegedly took over victims' phones, email accounts and financial accounts. Federal prosecutors have alleged a pattern in which Patterson set up Grindr meetups, then asked to use victims' phones as a pretext to drain their bank and app accounts, open new lines of credit and impersonate them. In some encounters, he allegedly pulled knives or a stun gun, and at least one victim was stabbed.

  • Patterson was first sentenced in late 2022.
  • In 2026, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals vacated part of Patterson's original sentence and sent the case back for re-sentencing.
  • On February 14, 2026, a federal judge in Los Angeles re-sentenced Patterson to 87 months in prison.

The players

Derrick Patterson

A Compton resident who was re-sentenced to 87 months in prison for Grindr-linked robberies.

FBI Los Angeles

The bureau that investigated the case against Patterson and provided details on the re-sentencing.

U.S. Attorney's Office

The federal prosecutors who originally charged and sentenced Patterson, and who provided details on the case.

9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

The appellate court that vacated part of Patterson's original sentence and sent the case back for re-sentencing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must continue to work tirelessly to protect vulnerable members of our community from predators who seek to exploit them.”

— Kristi Koons Johnson, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The FBI's investigation into Patterson's activities is still ongoing, and authorities are urging any additional victims to come forward and contact the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of dating app safety and the need for continued vigilance to protect vulnerable individuals from criminals who seek to exploit them. It also highlights the complexities of federal sentencing guidelines and the role of appellate courts in shaping criminal justice outcomes.