Local police issue warning on ‘Catch a Predator’ videos

NEW CASTLE, Pa. (WKBN) – The New Castle Police Department issued a warning Tuesday to groups that are conducting undercover sex stings without the involvement of law enforcement.

The post on the police department’s Facebook page addressed civilian “Catch a Predator” groups that have been posting videos on social media. In the videos, civilians are confronting alleged child predators after communicating with them online.

Police say they cannot make any arrests from an investigation stemming from a civilian group.

“The only way for these suspected individuals to be charged with any crimes pertaining to these types of offenses is if there is an actual juvenile victim or it is law enforcement members posing as the juvenile. This statement has been confirmed with the Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office,” the post read.

“These groups are doing a disservice to the community by not reporting it to law enforcement prior to confronting the alleged offenders. We would ask for any of these groups, or the public in general, to contact law enforcement immediately when these types of interactions occur online so a proper investigation can be conducted and suspects can be criminally charged, if applicable.”

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