It's a tale of sex, lies and videotape in which a likely sexual predator becomes the prey.

It's got more drama than a network soap opera: a small-town couple, shadowy meetings in a church parking lot and extortion.

Maria Catini, left, and Michael Barnett Click photo for larger image.

Investigators say the story began in sleepy little Salineville, Ohio, a town of 1,400 people about an hour northwest of Pittsburgh.

There Michael Barnett, 22, and his wife, Maria Catini, 21, used their computer, posed as a 15-year-old in search of sex, lured potential predators to an encounter and then robbed them.

The couple apparently was inspired by the television show "Dateline," which has produced a popular series of reports documenting the proclivity of sexual predators to seek child victims.

Once communication was established, police say the couple arranged to meet the predators, often at Riley's United Methodist Church, a small building with a secluded parking lot.

According to the Carroll County sheriff, the sexual predator was photographed or videotaped by Mr. Barnett, who lay in wait in the shadows.

Banking on the fact that sexual relations with minors is a felony crime, often resulting in lengthy prison terms, the couple would rob the men -- explaining that if they did not do what was asked, they would turn the predator's photograph or video in to authorities along with a transcript of the Internet conversation.

If that wasn't persuasive enough, Mr. Barnett and up to seven possible accomplices were waiting with baseball bats.

But the ruse began to unravel when Carroll County police began to receive tips from neighboring police departments. In one complaint, a suspected solicitor filed his report, saying that he was a victim of a sex crime, extortion and aggravated robbery. That was a week ago.

After investigating, the sheriffs were led to Mr. Barnett and Ms. Catini. Police confiscated the couple's computer and jailed them after charging them with aggravated robbery charges.

Investigators believe the couple may have committed the same type of crime several times, but they were charged only in the incident last week. Carroll County authorities believe at least 14 people where involved in the scheme.

That's not the end of the drama.

Mr. Barnett, it seems, also has been absent without leave from the Army for two years. He is expected to face charges from the Army as well.

The couple could face one to five years in prison and $10,000 fine if they are convicted.

Their bond was set at $1 million.