Law&Crime Sidebar - Celebrity Hairstylist Grilled After Teen Sex Sting Bust

Episode Date: March 30, 2026

Ryan Pearl, a Miami hairstylist known for his work with celebrities like Halsey and Hailey Bieber, is getting more attention for all the wrong reasons. He’s accused of sending inappropriate photos and messages to a 15-year-old client. Newly released interrogation video shows Pearl’s real-time reactions to some of the allegations against him. Law&Crime’s Jesse Weber dives into the biggest moments.Be a part of our community with Law&Crime+, where you can watch your favorite hit series and dive into exclusive Case Files, including 911 calls, trial footage, and the evidence they didn’t show you on TV. Download the app or visit https://bit.ly/lawandcrimeplus to start your free trial today!HOST:Jesse Weber: https://twitter.com/jessecordweberLAW&CRIME SIDEBAR PRODUCTION:YouTube Management - Bobby SzokeVideo Editing - Michael Deininger, Christina O'Shea, Alex Ciccarone, & Jay CruzScript Writing & Producing - Savannah Williamson & Juliana BattagliaGuest Booking - Alyssa Fisher & Diane KayeSocial Media Management - Vanessa BeinSTAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LAW&CRIME NETWORK:Watch Law&Crime Network on YouTubeTV: https://bit.ly/3td2e3yWhere To Watch Law&Crime Network: https://bit.ly/3akxLK5Sign Up For Law&Crime's Daily Newsletter: https://bit.ly/LawandCrimeNewsletterRead Fascinating Articles From Law&Crime Network: https://bit.ly/3td2IqoLAW&CRIME NETWORK SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawandcrimeTwitter: https://twitter.com/LawCrimeNetworkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawandcrimeTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/lawandcrimenetworkTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawandcrimeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How can you just send me in this fucking room for hours, bro? What the fuck? A Miami hairdresser found himself in the hot seat after he was arrested for allegedly sending graphic messages and photos to a 15-year-old girl. She knew the hair appointment wasn't today and that you don't pick up clients. So that's why she assumes the worst between you guys. This interrogation video shows his real-time reaction as investigators lay out the damning and disturbing evidence. We're going to make sure you see the biggest moments as this case gets closer

and closer to trial. Welcome to Sidebar. Presented by Law and Crime, I'm Jesse Weber. So a hairstylist, formerly known for taking care of high-end clients in Miami and New York City, has gained a very different reputation over the last nine months. I'm talking about Ryan Pearl. He was arrested last summer for allegedly soliciting one of his teenage clients for sex out in Florida. We have gotten our hands on Pearl's interrogation after his arrest. And I will always say that this evidence, okay, this video evidence is so critical in a criminal case for a jury to see this. Because the way somebody responds, this point in time, how they say certain things, it can be very, very revealing, particularly if a defendant takes the stand later on, right? It has to explain how they said or what they said in an interrogation.

And again, these are allegations. He's innocent until proven guilty. Now, before we even dig into that, I want to give you a little bit of background on how we got here. It gives you some context. So according to an arrest affidavit that was filed with the court, the alleged victim is a 15-year-old female, a client of Perls, who met him when he first styled her hair at age 13. NBC Miami reports that Pearl worked out on Olen Salon or Allan Salon in Miami. Now, after getting a report about inappropriate behavior between the alleged victim and Pearl, authorities claim they were able to use the teen's social media accounts to try. trick him into a meetup. And within hours of that catastrophic alleged decision, Pearl would find

himself locked inside a cold interrogation room for hours, called to account for his alleged actions. The arrest report reads, quote, on Saturday, July 26, 2025, the victim's mother responded to the police department to report inappropriate conversation between her 15-year-old daughter and the defendant via social media platforms. The witness was interviewed and explained to detectives while she was home on Sunday at approximately 2042 hours, she received two Apple Wallet notifications. The notifications were for two separate transaction deposits from a phone number sent directly to her daughter's account. She then asked her daughter, who sent the money, and her daughter told her it was from the hairstylist.

Now, that affidavit also includes really disturbing graphic messages allegedly sent by Pearl to the teen on Snapchat, apparently asking her for nude photos, questioning her about sexual experiences, offering her money and gifts. And we'll get more into the specifics of those messages in just a moment. And, you know, again, how maybe compelling of evidence they could be. But the girl's mother spoke anonymously with NBC Miami. Obviously, she doesn't want to identify herself because then the public would know who her daughter is, right? So again, the girl's mother spoke anonymously with NBC Miami after Pearl's arrest saying,

I was upset. I was like sick in my stomach. I was so disappointed, you know, like how could this happen to my daughter? But I know it happens every day. What is a 37-year-old man doing asking a 15-year-old girl, what size of shoe are you? I want to make you happy. You're pretty. Let's keep this between you and me. As soon as I saw that, I knew his intention was to take advantage of my daughter. You go back to the court documents.

So Pearl allegedly convinced this girl to meet up with him. But little did he know by this point, he was talking to an undercover officer. So between the messages and Pearl allegedly showing up to a location thinking a 15-year-old would be there, Investigators knew they had enough to arrest and charge him. From the affidavit, it reads on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 during an undercover operation, the defendant drove to the incident location provided by the undercover detective with the intent to pick up the victim to engage in sexual activities. The defendant further purchased electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vapes, for the victim's

personal use. At approximately 1845 hours, the defendant arrived at the incident location, driving a 2021 light blue Mercedes-Benz S-580. Records check revealed the video. is registered to the defendant. So another way to identify him. A felony stop was conducted on the vehicle by the city of Miami tactical robbery unit. The defendant was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, meaning he wasn't dropping anybody else off. He was given verbal commands to exit the vehicle and was taken into custody. Now, we confirmed Pearl was charged with use of a computer to seduce, solicit, or lure a child to engage in sexual conduct, traveling to meet a minor for the purpose of sexual contact, two counts of electronic transmission of material that's harmful to minors, and contributing to the delinquency of a child.

And also, he was apparently charged with possession of cocaine after there was a search of his car, but according to the Miami-Dade County Court docket, that charge appears to have been dropped. So, before Pearl was carted off to jail on July 30th, he was left to stew over how much trouble he might be inside of that interview room. Let's go now to the videotape. Hi. You need the bathroom, water, anything? Some water. Water? In bathroom? I know you yelled. I couldn't hear what you said. I'm just like. Frustrated? I know.

I know. I know. I know. I know. Can we get him water? What's your first, what's your first one of thing? Ryan Pearl. Ryan Pearl. Mr. Perl. Can we get him water? Water? Yeah. Please. Thank you. I got to share some exciting news with you. For the first time, we are giving you full access to the evidence. Uncover the private phone calls, the crime scene photos and the raw interrogations. that broke infamous cases wide open.

I'm Dan Abrams, and I want to show you something you can't find anywhere else. On Law and Crime Plus, our case files give you exclusive access to the evidence vaults of today's most infamous cases in breaking true crime stories. Actual crime scene photos, surveillance foot, court testimony, the cases everyone's talking about with the depth no one else provides.

The facts are here, the files are open. The conclusions, those are yours to make. Download Law and Crime Plus. us and stream the full case files now. So if you want to go beyond the headlines and unlock the evidence and reach your own verdict, check out our case files on Long Crime Plus now. And you can tell that there may have been some sort of struggle between Pearl and the tactical officers who arrested him.

His white t-shirt appears to be in a lot of rough shape there. It's torn around the collar. And the detective comes in, introduces herself, and basically drops the bomb that someone has accused him of sending inappropriate messages to a 15-year-old. Mr. Brown, I'm Detective Ferrer, okay? How are you? Hi, I know. Not as good as you are right now.

Okay, I know what's going on. It's frustrating, intimidating, but there is a lady that came to the police station just shortly before we met with you, and she made some allegations against you, something that involved her daughter. Okay. So it's just allegations what we have right now. Okay. So, yes, they are serious because it's a minor and you're an adult, okay? I always offer the person an opportunity to explain themselves. If you have a story to tell me, if you don't, that's fine.

Then I just have to take a little bit longer, continue my investigation, and then I make a determination what's going to happen tonight, okay? So it's all up to you. If you want to talk to me today or if you don't want to talk to me, it's your right. Who is that person? I can't talk to you until I reach you your rights. Okay. Usually what I do first, I just get basic information.

first last name, date of birth, any contact phone number if I could read you. Up to you if you want to give me a home address or not. I can search you up anyways. Just basic stuff. And then second, then you could ask me anything you want. Okay. Yeah, that's fair? Yes.

Let me get your water first. Okay. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Um, no, I'm okay. You're okay? Thank you so much.

Okay. Okay. I'll be your back. Okay. So then again, Pearl was left to seemingly ponder just how much trouble he could be in, but then the detective's back. And I want you to pay attention to how she speaks with Pearl, okay? Because she builds up kind of this rapport with him,

chatting about things that they have in common, including that they both come from immigrant families, both lived in New Jersey for a time. This is very strategic. This is a way to bring those defenses down, get somebody to be comfortable, maybe as a way for them to admit something. Be more open. Take a look.

Where do you work or what do you do for a living? My hairdresser. Your hairdresser? Yeah. You have your own business? I was just independent. I was yeah yeah about to start mine actually oh good for you and how many years have you been doing here like well I dropped out of high school when I was 15 here in Miami no no New Jersey New Jersey yeah I was 15 so I'm

what happened my I mean my mom was I mean my mom was very sick of cancer three times she couldn't work I didn't go to school I couldn't I did hear that. Yeah, no, it's okay. There wasn't much money, so I had to, she was staying in school, we were making money for her. We were on, like, flu stamps and shit, so it's like. So it was like, your car is safe, okay.

Yeah. Just want to let you know. So now, I have to ask you. My wallet and stuff is all in there, too. I just want. Oh, I think the officer has it here. There's some stuff of yours outside, yeah. Um, I have to ask you, don't get offended, okay?

Yeah. Are you under the influences of any drugs or alcohol right now I know I can see it but I have to ask you. So no drugs, this is the sunny water? Okay, is it good? You like cold water, hot. The sunny is not one, but. Yeah, what do you drink?

Pantasmuth. Yes, why? Microwe. Hmm. Sorry, you should have told me. What's my police department? I don't think I have many selections. I appreciate anything, thank you.

It's just mess with me. No bathroom yet? No, I'm good. Okay. Thank you. So I have to say I treated you well and I gave you water, okay? I don't have food, but I'm also hungry. No, you're good.

Okay, so, yes, you're absolutely right. They detains you okay. There are some allegations that someone made against them. Just a question, though. What is detaining? Was it necessary to pull guns out on me? It's a safety process. I'm sorry.

It's our departmental orders. If they're going to detain someone in a vehicle, we don't know if you have any weapons. But that's a question. Your mother, welcome. Who's she? Whatever that vehicle was crash into my car. We take care of all of that.

Don't worry about that. After that, you can sit down with my supervisor and we'll handle all that, okay? We don't just damage things just because it's easy like that. Don't worry about that. I know it's a nice car. It's a beautiful car. Thank you, Mary. Okay.

Now they finally get down to what we're talking about here. Why Pearl is there. But first, he has to decide whether he's going to speak with her. In order for me to ask you any questions, you have to agree to talk to me. Then after we start talking, I tell you the allegations, and then you can ask me any questions you want. Sure. I don't like lying. I'm going to tell you the truth right now because I will tell you later on that I did tell you the truth.

And I just want to know what's going on, okay? And I'm not here to lie to you either. So, yes, if there is a crime and we do talk about it and, Anything that the mom told me today, you agree to or you tell me yes, that's exactly what happens. Then I have to review everything that transpired between you guys, and then I will let you know what's going to happen after that, okay? So, my staying here tonight? I can't tell you that right now until we passed this, because I need to know what you're going to say to me, okay? Remember, one person has a story, the other person has another story.

This is the sexual battery unit. So we do have always adults, men and women, that come here and say something. It doesn't necessarily mean that we're going to believe everything unless there's something else to that. So again, it's all up to you. I'm not here to lie to you, to convince you to talk to me. You can talk to me. Say, yes, detective I want to talk to you or no detective. I don't want to talk to you today.

And then I walk out. And then I gather everything. I talk to my supervisor and then I make a decision. Okay. Do you understand? I want to go home too. You know how long I've been here since 5 in the morning? Okay. Do you wear glasses or anything? If I give you the form, can you read it out loud for me? Okay, and then at the end it's question one and question two. And then we'll see what we do, okay? Start from the top, and you need to read it out loud for me, okay? I need to make sure that you understand.

Do you have the right to remain silent? Anything you can say will be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer for advice before you ask any questions. You have the right to have an attorney with you during the questioning. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, one will be appointed to you to represent before any questioning. Do you speak something? If you wish, sorry.

Okay. You can decide that any time to exercise these rights and not answer it or make any statements. And then this one, say it's yes or no. You can understand each of these rights I have explained to you. To you? Do you? Do you understand anything right? I do, yes.

Okay. So if you do have a lawyer, we can, within a reasonable amount of time, yes, I can reach out and have them come. Within a reasonable amount of time, so that means that they could be available in the next hour. It can't keep you here for so many hours either, just like that. So within a reasonable time, we are in doubt. Yeah, I don't have one.

Offhand, I would have to make calls. Okay. It's up to you. You don't have to talk to me. You want to talk to me, you can. If you don't want to talk to me, I'm not going to trick you with any question. No, I understand that. I wanted to tell you what the allegations are, and then you could tell me what's going on. That's to you. Okay. But so you're saying that I couldn't have a lawyer here.

They would have to be here at a certain time, and I would have to... If you have a lawyer that you want me to contact, like, let's say, you know, John Paul. I don't know. I'm just giving you an idea. No, I understand. Then I could just look him up and call him, or I could bring you my work for him. You can call him. Right.

And then it's up to John Paul if he's going to respond and be here with you. And then he says no, then it's up to you if you want to talk to me today or no. So what do you mean if I want to talk to you today? I don't want to talk to you today. I don't know what happens. Sir, I have questions to ask. No, I don't. I know.

I'm just exercising. Yeah, it's just questions I need to ask you. I understand that. I can just come and tell you, hey, they told me all of this. Are you going to talk to me yes or no? I already told you there are some serious allegations that a young lady reported in reference to her daughter. Something transpired today.

They had an argument, and that's where they ended up coming over here, and that's where we are. Okay. Okay. That's why they gave me your name, and then that's what happened. Okay, you could ask me. Huh? You could ask me?

Then you've got to give me permission here. It's okay. So it's yes or no, and then your son, and then I son. And that's a yes, right? Yes, no. Can you? Yes. Witness.

We put the time in day. They're doing. Mm-hmm. A young mom came in today. Her name is Ms. Do you know who she is? And that's... She does have a daughter, okay?

She does have a daughter, okay? And apparently today they had an argument because the daughter was coming to meet with you. And the mom didn't approve of that. So I don't know if you guys had any plans to hang out. She did mention to me that you guys have a hair appointment this week, I think, coming up. So the mom was, what she told me, that she knew the hair appointment was in today, and that you don't pick up clients. So that's why she assumed the worst between you guys.

And that's how everything started. Her daughter's name is, are you submitted with her? Okay, so how did I meet her? Yes, how do you know her? Her, I guess it's her father's girlfriend's. I never met a father, I don't know. Yeah, so her father's. Girlfriends?

Girlfriends. Or girlfriend? Sorry, yeah. Girlfriend. Girlfriend? Yeah. They would be what, Ms. No.

No? Somebody else. Do you remember who that person is? Her name is. She was a client of mine. Okay. She introduced me to, yeah. And who's a child or an adult?

Adult. Okay. Oh, that's right. She's the girlfriend. Of the father. I don't know much of the family. Yeah. No, I understand.

I guess. Girlfriend or father. Okay. So it's kind of like a stepmom. Right. Does she introduce you to a boyfriend? And then she became a client. Yes.

And then. Okay. Recently. When was the first time you had her? Over a year ago maybe? Okay, over a year ago? Okay. So over, in approximately one year, you've,

she's been your client, how many times? Two or three times? Okay. So if you see a picture of her, you would identify her. You would know she is, which she is. And, okay, so hair, what is it that you do? Like, you cut hair, your style. Hair color style, yeah

Hair coloring, hair cutting, and hair styles Yeah, I don't haircut, but I do hair color and styling Okay And the mom said that She did drop her off one time So you remember the mom or no? Yes She actually made an appointment with me

Okay, when are you supposed to have a I don't remember when it was But my assistant took the appointment Okay, so that's what's going on Okay, yeah What's going on with her? how do you communicate with her what were the plants today why she was crying so I really

you know it was hard for me to communicate with her so what happened between you today well she well let's just start from the other day the last time I saw her when the mom came in okay right because they mentioned that that's not that you did her hair recently right so I did her her recently she reached out to me saying

like she had her hair messed up in Dubai and she wanted me to fix it. Okay, so she did her hair in Dubai and was upset? Now, I have to be clear about something. For the next 25 minutes, the audio on that interrogation video that was provided to spy police is muted. It's not unusual. It's a way to protect an investigation or a victim, particularly when you're talking about someone this young.

But we do see Pearl making, you know, various hand motions, sometimes rubbing his eyes, pulling his torn t-shirt, you know, kind of up to cover his face. And we maybe have a pretty good idea of what they're talking about during that time because you go to the arrest affidavit as well as local reporting. And according to NBC Miami, Pearl allegedly admitted to buying a vape for this girl and asking her to be his girlfriend. He also allegedly admitted to sending her nude photos of himself and traveling to meet her. And Pearl was also likely confronted with some of the incredibly alleged graphic messages he sent to this girl whose social media accounts at this point were being. monitored by an undercover officer. Purported messages like,

you're mad, cool, and fun to talk to. Just didn't know you cared that I said because I'm older. It's not that easy to get pregnant like that. Maybe you'll send me more selfies now. Okay, I'll bring you money to, babe, so you have money to do stuff with your friends. And according to Miami police, Pearl had allegedly sent a photo of himself wearing swimming trunks

and then multiple images of his genitals. I am very shy, please don't. Do you care that I'm 15? No, sorry, I'm just new to this. Please don't get mad. Pearl also reportedly sent a message that he was 28 years old when he was really 37. When the interrogation audio resumes, the detective's demeanor has changed. Okay, she's no longer friendly. She's no longer accommodating.

You can hear what could be described as annoyance with him in her voice. I had to do my job to you. But calling them would do what for me? I'm just saying so they could be aware that you're getting arrested and they could help you when you're over there. I'm giving you that. How could they help me? Listen, I'm just curious. I'm just asking you if you want me to call someone that's it.

You're asking me questions I don't know the answer to. I don't know. I don't work for the jail, honey. I don't know. I know, but I'm just. And I've never been arrested, so I don't know. I don't know. I'm being honest.

I don't know. Usually what I do is that I, I'm getting arrested and I tell my brother, hey, you know, be ready. I'm going to call you from jail or, hey, detective, get a phone number from my phone. I don't know. my friend's number and I could do that for you but that's it like I can't make arrangements for you it's not we get we don't offer it off for that okay do you do you need bathroom break the faster I get out of here into the paperwork the

faster all of this goes through okay and I want to see a judge in the morning okay so I'm gonna be there overnight yeah probably like a few hours it's early early hours okay it's a few hours okay a few hours it's seven and five No, it's not. No, it's not. I'm 10 or no. Right now? Okay.

Do you need a bathroom break? Please. We need more water, then. If I need a call friend, but what about if he does they answer? We could leave a message. And then I could have him call me. Sure. No.

No family member, anybody? Think, and I'm going to come back and then tell me, Detective, I know an email or name, okay? Again, I'm just offering, okay? Thank you. Because then when you get to the jail, you don't have a number to call because they have your phone. Okay? Thanks.

Now, another officer comes to take Pearl to the bathroom, and there is yet another opportunity for him to talk about his New York, New Jersey roots. He doesn't need to be handcuffed to the front. Thank you, brother. I appreciate it. From New York? From New York. Brooklyn? From part, Brooklyn.

Great Beach. Ah. From Queens, Jamaica. So he's uncoved when he gets back to the interview room, And this is where he sits and sits and sits. And at times he makes comments out loud about his detention. How can you just sit me in the room for hours, bro? What the fuck?

Bro. Freezing. So after about three hours, Pearl is there when an officer finally returns to take him to jail. All right. Do me a fair to stand up for a second? They're on the way to try to get you a blanket or something. Thank you so long. I know.

Can you try to stand up? I don't know if it's just, yeah. This is just for our record, okay? Just put your hands on and look straight ahead, okay? All right. Do you have any questions about where you're going to the jail? Yeah, she would say maybe I could try to contact someone. Not from here, right?

When you get to jail, you're allowed to make as many calls as you want. Forgive it if I don't have the number. Can I get a number? Where do you want to get the number out of? My phone. Okay. Which one? The black phone.

The black phone? Please. Okay. Okay. Now, after his arrest on July 30th, Pearl was charged with those sex offenses that I mentioned before. He was held until a bond hearing the next day. And this is where he appeared before Judge Mindy Glaser. Sir, can you afford to hire an attorney? I'm not sure how much an attorney would cost. Do you own your home? No, I don't. All right. I don't fully qualify. Okay. You don't qualify. Do you have the financial means to hire an attorney? attorney? So it would be hard because I work on commission based. So you have any savings? Not much, no. All right. I'll appoint the public defender's office for you for purposes of this first appearance hearing subject to financial verification. So I need a moment to review the arrest

affidavit for probable cause. I had a chance to review the arrest affidavit. So Ms. Fai is what you want to say to things? Yes, Trowder. Based on the four corners of the A-form, the state would be requesting an extremely elevated bond. This is the concern that we are having with regards to the defendant, both for the safety of the victim in this case. This is someone he has known since she was 13 years old. She is now 15, so he's at least known her for two years, knows her travels, knows her whereabouts. So we are concerned for the safety of the community, specifically the victim. We would be requesting an elevated bond in the amount of $500,000 with a GPS total lockdown component.

Your Honor, the state is also concerned that this defendant is in fact a flight risk. As Your Honor mentioned before, he is originally from New Jersey and it appears he has clients all over the United States. So it's our concern based on the information that we have that he does travel to do the hair and the hairstyle is for, I guess, A-list celebrities. So it's our concern that he has the means to travel outside of the state of Florida and he's going to travel to cut hair. Yes, Your Honor. So how is that a danger to the community? Well, considering that his clients can range from apparently 13-year-olds to whatever age, we are concerned that the same way that he was engaging in sending photos of his penis to this 13-year-old girl

and attempting to pay her for set or attempting to gift her items and also ask for sex, we are concerned that he may have other clients that are underage, that unfortunately may be subjected to the same kind of behavior by the. I understand. Okay. Thank you. Ms. Corey, did you want to say anything? Judge, Mr. Pearl has no objection to only having adult clients. That's not an issue for him, Judge. So the judge lowered Pearl's bond to $25,000, which apparently posted. As part of his release, he's not allowed to have any contact with the alleged victim. According to the Miami-Dade County Court docket, Pearl could be back in court as soon as April 1st. We will see what role this interrogation video may play at an upcoming trial.

It's all we have for you right now here on Sidebar, everybody. Thank you so much for joining us. And as always, please subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, wherever you should get your podcast. You can also check us out on NBC's Peacock as well. If you want to follow me, X, Instagram, my News Nation show, Jesse Weber Live, Monday through Friday, 11 p.m. Eastern. I'll see you next time, everybody.