'Stop Doing Vigilante Sex Sting Ops,' Wisconsin Officials Say

MADISON, WI — A run of citizen-led sex-sting operations in Jefferson County has drawn the attention of Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, who this week urged the public to avoid engaging in civilian-led vigilante sex stings.

Recently in Jefferson County, an online vigilante group called the Worldwide Predator Hunters attempted a sting operation in a public space.

"Groups like that one, operating outside of the law, can endanger the safety of nearby members of the public, the suspect, and the vigilantes themselves," Kaul stated. "Vigilante actions risk interrupting an ongoing authorized investigation, possibly resulting in dangerous criminals walking free. Referrals resulting from vigilante actions to a district attorney can face legal challenges in prosecution."

Jay Pretty, founder of Worldwide Predator Hunters, said his organization has done "about 20 good busts" in the first year of operations. According to WKOW-TV news, the group conducts civilian-led sting operations in which members pose as teenagers in order to lure potential online predators out into public. The organization then confronts potential suspects by approaching them. That interaction is recorded on Facebook Live.

"Since Wisconsin won't work with us, we have to expose," said Pretty in a FOX 6 report. "I'm not police. I'm a parent. I do this all around the world."

Jefferson County District Attorney Susan Happ said in a statement: “While these vigilante groups are well-intentioned, the cases created through such vigilante activity rarely lead to criminal charges. When citizens take matters into their own hands, it can be extremely harmful to a successful prosecution."

Authorities say that citizens lack this critical experience and training, and the vigilantes’ actions may result in important evidence being destroyed, compromised or suppressed. "This can negatively impact our ability to effectively do our job,” Kaul said.

Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children Bureau requests any suspicious activity be reported to law enforcement immediately. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-843-5678 or online at http://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline.