Olympic Wrestler Kyle Snyder Arrested in Prostitution Sting Operation

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Olympic wrestler Kyle Snyder was arrested during a prostitution sting conducted by the Columbus Division of Police on May 9, police confirmed on Monday.

According to Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert, the operation was part of a larger initiative aimed at reducing prostitution in the city. The undercover investigation took place on the north side of Columbus.

Officers began receiving text messages and phone calls around 8:15 p.m. from an individual responding to one of the advertisements. A meeting was set up at a nearby hotel where Snyder was later found arriving approximately 20 minutes later. He allegedly paid cash to an undercover officer and requested a sexual act.

Snyder was arrested at the hotel and was charged with engaging in prostitution before being released at the scene. He has been summoned to appear in court on May 19.

Kyle Snyder, 27, is a highly decorated wrestler known for his accomplishments in both collegiate and international competitions. He won a gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He is also a three-time NCAA champion and has earned numerous medals in World Championships.

Recently, Snyder signed with the Real American Freestyle wrestling league and has expressed interest in competing for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the 2028 Games. He holds an impressive record of 30 gold medals encompassing the Olympics and World Championships, along with five silver and seven bronze medals.

During his collegiate career at Ohio State, Snyder was a four-time NCAA finalist, securing three championships at heavyweight from 2016 to 2018 with a record of 75-5.