BREAKING | Online Group Exposes Alleged Online Predator, Teacher Fired on Feb 11th for “undisclosed reasons” until now

Leaders with St. Francis de Sales confirmed Wednesday February 11th that J. Michael Petro has been fired. Communication from the school did not disclose what the violation was. Today The Fostoria Free Press has exclusive content shining light on the real reason why Petro was fired.

A recent online sting operation has led to formal reports being filed with both St. Francis de Sales school officials and law enforcement in Toledo, Ohio, after investigators say a man believed he was communicating with a 15‑year‑old girl on Snapchat.

According to the volunteer group EDPcatchers, the operation was a coordinated effort between its team and TikTok creator “palmervlrdd.” Posing as a teenage girl, their decoy account allegedly engaged in conversations in which the individual made explicit statements and indicated an attraction to students at a previous school where he had worked. The team says those comments are preserved in documented chat logs.

Investigators report they carefully captured screenshots of the messages, along with timestamps and identifying details, and then compiled the material into an evidence packet. That packet, which also includes a recorded video call between the individual and the decoy, has been turned over to administrators at St. Francis de Sales High School and to local law enforcement in Toledo for review.

EDPcatchers says the intent of sharing the material with both the school and police is to ensure the allegations are investigated by the proper authorities and to help safeguard students. The group has indicated it is prepared to provide any additional documentation or clarification requested by officials as the case moves forward.