Former ‘Wonder Years’ Child actor Jeff Duran arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting minors

Former child actor Jeff Dandurand was arrested last month and charged with four counts of online solicitation of a minor. The Wonder Years actor was caught in an investigation targeting adults trying to arrange online encounters with minors, according to a report from Texoma. He remains in custody and his bail is set at $300,000.

Dandurand – also known by the stage names “DJ Jeff Duran” and “JJ Star” – was booked into the Wichita County Jail in Wichita Falls, Texas, on September 17. He is charged with four counts of online solicitation of a minor, which is a second-degree felony. Dandurand filed a habeas corpus writ claiming his detention was unlawful, but it was denied on Friday, October 4. The 50 year old is best known for appearing in two episodes of The Wonder Years in 1989 and 1990, but his work in Hollywood has slowed considerably in recent years.

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Dandurand’s arrest was reportedly the result of an undercover operation by the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigations Division. A special agent created an online persona posing as a 14-year-old girl and used doctored photos to appear authentic. According to an affidavit obtained by Texoma, the officer posted in a chat room on Discord and wrote, “14FTexas any older guys.” They were contacted by someone claiming to be a 38-year-old man.

“I’ve never dated younger, but am I too old to say that?” the user reportedly wrote. They also mentioned that they had a 17-year-old daughter. They also sent several sexually explicit messages, including photos and questions about the officer’s sexual experience. The agent sent a summons to Discord, which showed that the account was linked to a CashApp account belonging to Dandurand. The subpoena also revealed at least seven other conversations in which Dandurand was chatting with people claiming to be minors.

Danduran reportedly made attempts to meet the officer, although he missed at least one appointment, writing, “I promise to make it up to you” and “I will give you everything when we meet.” In another post, he asked what the age of consent is in the state of Texas, before answering himself and writing, “14 I think it’s okay.” It is not clear when Dandurand eventually traveled to Texas or the circumstances of his arrest.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or at regenn.org.