Note: This article includes sensitive discussions about child sexual abuse. It is essential to approach this content with care. To report any cases of child sexual abuse, please contact your local law enforcement agency or the DCFS hotline at 855-323-3237. More details can be found at dcfs.utah.gov.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A trend is rising where so-called predator hunters take matters into their own hands, attempting to catch online pedophiles. However, police are sounding the alarm about the potential dangers and ineffectiveness of these actions.
Just recently, a content creator from Utah claimed he made plans to meet a girl he thought was just 13 years old after chatting with her on Facebook. Facedly, this ‘girl’ turned out to be 29-year-old Collin Shumaker.
Shumaker recounted that the man was quite quick to engage in a sexual discussion and insisted on meeting at the library, making it clear he was looking for sex.
Under the guise of a minor, Shumaker creates fictitious online profiles and waits for predator types to make contact. Over the last two years, he claims he’s exposed almost 20 such individuals in Utah. His latest interaction happened last Saturday, following a tip-off.
An Orem man faced charges for allegedly attempting to lure a minor, who was later discovered to be an undercover officer.
Shumaker noted, “We don’t actively target anyone. If I’m scrolling through a dating app, I swipe right on each profile, and predators often reach out to me first, accepting the age gap.”
After three weeks of chatting, he says the individual agreed to meet face to face. During their in-person conversation, Shumaker carried himself a certain way, initiating small talk before starting to record their interaction.
“When we met, I told them they could leave whenever they wanted and made sure it was clear the conversation was consensual. I threw in that I had a hearing issue and asked if I could put a mic close to them to hear better,” Shumaker explained.
Even though he filmed the exchange and informed police, no prompt arrest took place, to the extent of the available booking and court records. While some believe these efforts are invaluable, law enforcement underscores that untrained citizens typically lack the necessary legal expertise, which might complicate cases.
Former FBI agent Greg Rogers emphasizes the critical difference between how law enforcement must operate and the sometimes misguided actions of vigilante hunters. He cautions that these vigilantes can occasionally make the situation worse rather than better.
Rogers adds, “When these private citizens confront a predator, it isn’t uncommon for the predator to return home, wiping devices clean of evidence. This makes it significantly tougher for law enforcement to stitch a solid case together.”
Statistics from the CDC reveal cautionary figures: 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys are likely to experience some form of child sexual abuse. If you suspect anything, Rogers strongly recommends that you alert the authorities as opposed to attempting to address the situation on your own.
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