Jefferson County law enforcement is discouraging residents from participating in a notable, but potentially dangerous activity. According to a press release from County Attorney Chauncey Moulding, the Fairfield Police Department and other local agencies were recently made aware of videos that depict what is being called child exploitation vigilantism. 

Also known as “catfishing” or “pedo-baiting”, the videos show local adults meeting what they believed to be children, but instead was one or more adult citizens posing as a minor. The intent is to confront potential sexual predators and raise awareness to an unfortunate reality in the area. While the release described these actions as “commendable”, it poses a few problems. 

Child exploitation investigation agencies generally prohibit the use of “vigilante” investigations in furtherance of criminal procedures. Additionally, there can be serious safety concerns generated when confronting an adult who may have just been caught seeking to exploit a minor for sex. Law enforcement agencies are able to conduct these operations in a much more controlled environment, and with numerous trained and armed agents to limit the danger. 

The Fairfield Police Department and additional agencies are investigating the records received relating to the video, and will determine if criminal charges are appropriate based on that information. The release also states that local agencies will be enhancing efforts at online enforcement operations to further discourage this behavior.