Recently, Indiana has seen an increase in the number of social media “vigilante” groups attempting to go after suspected online predators without the support of law enforcement. While these groups may have the best intentions in mind, operating outside the scope of law enforcement can be extremely dangerous for both themselves and others.
Private “investigations” created through this kind of activity where citizens pretend to be minors in order to lure and then confront suspected online predators (which they usually live stream on social media) face legal challenges and other hurdles that impact whether charges could be filed. When citizens take matters into their own hands, it can usually be harmful to a successful prosecution, leading to someone who may well have been guilty walking free.
Law enforcement officials are the only ones qualified to conduct these kinds of investigations. Having gone through extensive training, these officials know the right techniques in collecting and preserving the digital evidence that is necessary to prosecute these kinds of cases.
The Office of the Montgomery County Prosecutor encourages the residents of Montgomery County not to take the law into their own hands. These citizen sting operations could lead to injury or death to the person attempting to expose a suspected predator, the person they are confronting or innocent bystanders. Confrontations of this nature are capable of turning violent quickly. Vigilantes also open themselves up to potential lawsuits for libel and slander should the person they are going after decide to bring a lawsuit.
If a resident has a reason to suspect someone may be attempting to lure minors online, pass that information along to local law enforcement who can then conduct a legal investigation and collect the necessary evidence which, if warranted, will lead to charges and prosecution. Tips can be submitted by calling the Crawfordsville Police Department tip line at 765-307-2667 or the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 765-362-3300.
