Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd recently held a press conference to discuss the arrests made as a result of ‘Operation Cyber Guardian II.’ The operation revealed a disturbingly high number of child sexual predators present on social media and dating apps. A source, who tracks down pedophiles on the dark corners of the Internet, shed light on the issue and emphasized the urgency of the situation.
The source, who operates under the name People v. Preds., has successfully exposed 354 individuals, leading to 110 arrests and 17 convictions. The project was launched in 2021 in California, inspired by similar groups that had successfully apprehended suspected predators. Since then, the initiative has expanded its reach to cities like Costa Mesa, Long Beach, Sacramento, and Las Vegas.
Impersonating an underage boy on dating apps, the source engages with potential predators, primarily on the gay dating app Grindr. They clarify their age early in the conversation, and if it turns sexual, they continue messaging the predator and set up a meeting. However, the predator is met by the source, revealing that they are actually an adult, while cameras capture the encounter.
To ensure arrests, the source now involves the police in the process. By arranging a meeting with the predator, the source provides evidence of the crime, as communicating sexually with a minor and arranging a meeting with sexual intentions are both felonies in California. This strategy has led to successful convictions, including that of 55-year-old former San Diego County Sheriff’s Sergeant Luis Rios.
People v. Preds. has exposed a wide range of professionals, including teachers, a school psychologist, nurses, and even a postal worker. The source also noted that similar groups have caught women who are usually teachers or involved in relationships with minors.
Despite the crucial work of predator hunters, the source expressed frustration with the justice system. Many convicted predators receive light sentencing, with only two out of the 17 convictions resulting in prison terms. The source argues that in order to bring about real change, the penalties for child sex crimes must be more strictly enforced.
The fight against child sexual predators on social media and dating apps is ongoing. Predator hunters like People v. Preds. play a crucial role in safeguarding children and exposing those who seek to harm them. However, there is a need for stronger legal consequences to deter potential offenders and protect vulnerable minors from exploitation.
