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Response to an angry Murphy, Texas councilman

Posted: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 11:10 AM by Dateline Editor
Filed Under: ,

by Chris Hansen, Dateline correspondent

Right before our broadcast of 'To Catch a Predator' in Murphy, Texas, we received this blog post from a council member in Murphy, Texas:

Below is my response:

Dear Councilmember,  

Thank you for sharing you concerns about our To Catch A Predator investigation in Murphy, Texas, however I wanted to alert you to a number of inaccuracies in your note to us. Our investigation was conducted along with a parallel investigation by the Murphy Police in a careful, well thought out manner. Each time we conduct one of these operations, we consider the safety and sanctity of the surrounding neighbors. It is our position that the large police presence and the presence of our hidden cameras made this arguably the safest neighborhood in Texas. The investigations will hopefully deter the solicitation of minors online in the areas we work long after our investigations are over.

You suggest that "not one case for sexual solicitation of a minor has been filed in this sting." We have been told by the Murphy police that those filings are underway and will happen soon.

You point out that a bag of cocaine was found near our hidden camera house during our investigation. In fact a minute amount of cocaine was found a block or so away from our house and was turned into the Murphy Police. There is no known link between this cocaine and any of the suspects who surfaced in our investigation. So far as we know, none of the suspects even drove by the spot where the bag  was found in order to get to our house.

You say there were police chases through Murphy without lights. Neither we nor the Murphy police are aware of any police chases. There was an instance where a suspect was followed by an unmarked vehicle into Plano, where he was stopped by a marked police motorcycle. This did not constitute a "chase."

You allege that the arrest warrant served at the house of Assistant District Attorney Louis William Conradt Jr. was somehow invalid or was "expired." There was a typographical error that resulted in the wrong date being put in one part of the document, however, when the judge signed the warrant, the judge corrected the date.

Again, we thank you for sharing your concerns.

***
Editor's note: On November 11, 2006, the City Council of Murphy Texas held a special session to discuss the Dateline investigation in their town. Everyone in the open forum was allowed to have two minutes to speak to the council. Click here for that video.

We've received some positive blog comments from residents of Murphy, Texas as well. Below are a few --

I live in Murphy and spoke at the public City Council meeting and I am proud to say that the people who opposed the sting operation were in the minority. Most of us support the Police Department wholeheartedly and look on this as yet another way that they try to keep our children safe. Murphy is a great place to live -- no city is perfect or completely safe from predators and anyone who thinks there's a city like that is living in a fool's paradise. We need our police to be hypervigilant and aware of the perverts who are everywhere and we can't stick our heads in the sand and pretend it doesn't exist because it's too uncomfortable to think about. Our children MUST be educated to keep them safe. And only by bringing child abuse out in the open can it be stopped -- it thrives on secrecy and flourishes when people say "it can't happen here."  --Nina Scott, Murphy, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 14, 2007 10:22 AM)

 

I live in Murphy, Texas and I want to say that those who protested were a tiny minority who were stirred up by one of the city councilmen looking for some camera time. The vast majority of people here support the sting operation and we showed up in force at an open meeting when the mayor threatened to fire the police chief and city manager. Thankfully he backed down when he heard and saw the level of support for the operation. Child abuse, whether its origins are from the Internet or family/friends thrives in darkness and silence. If we as a society want to fight it, we must first shine as bright a light as possible on the problem. The point I would hope folks get from this show is that child abuse DOES happen in quiet little towns like Murphy. Deny it, turn a blind eye, protest or obfuscate and you only make it more difficult to protect a child. As for those who cry 'entrapment', have you actually read what some of these guys wrote to those they thought were 12 or 13 year olds? Graphic doesn't even begin to describe it. Thanks for the effort Dateline and y'all are welcome to come back to Murphy anytime.  --Chris, Murphy, Texas (Sent Wednesday, February 14, 2007 10:55 AM)

 

I live in Murphy, Texas near the decoy house - which is also near Murphy Middle School. I support our Police in setting up this sting. Did I like this going on so close to home? Of course not. Who would? The alternative is to let the predators continue victimizing children. The predators are here, whether we want to admit it or not. Let's keep working to with law enforcement to stop them. Let's keep Murphy a wonderful community to live in.  --Annonymous Murphy, Texas (Sent Saturday, February 17, 2007 12:10 AM)

 

thank yall for doing this show. i live around the corner from the "sting house" in murphy and it comforts me to know at least a few perverts from my area are being punished now. keep up the good work  --ashley, murphy, texas (Sent Tuesday, February 20, 2007 9:09 PM)

 

my family and i live less than a few miles from murphy, and are very happy you did this investigation. it is sad a man had to die but doesnt it just prove his guilt even more. dont let the death of one pervert stop your fantastic investigations and very hard work. --frankie,wilie,texas (Sent Tuesday, February 20, 2007 9:14 PM)

 

I live in Murphy Tx and I am very glad this was done in my city!! I am also glad the show is aired on national tv. Hopefully all the disgusting pedifiles will get the message: DON'T MESS WITH MURPHY!! I am so proud of our police department and our police chief. They handled these creeps very professionally and without incident. Thank you MPD.  --Carol Lindsey Murphy, TX (Sent Tuesday, February 13, 2007 8:59 PM)

 

I get it, I do...but all these people who are criticizing really need to look at the big picture. Yes, the show is a bit commercial and has high ratings. That's not really the point though. The point is, these scary people are out there, and they are EVERYWHERE. Some of them have seen the show, but still do it. That tells me that the sick people are still sick. Maybe the states that have been profiled have BETTER laws for this sort of thing. In that case, I am so proud to live in one of them. I don't want Dateline to go to a state where the laws stink. In order to arrest these predators, they would have to allow the "visit" to go way past what it does. That would be plain stupid. Dateline, keep it up. I don't care about your ratings or advertisers. I want people to be scared to death to even consider having these kinds of conversations online. I also want parents to be educating their kids on the dangers (I have a 13 year old myself). Thanks for putting the spotlight on this. I skipped my favorite show last night to watch yours!!!  --Kimberley H. Plano, Texas (right by Murphy) (Sent Wednesday, February 14, 2007 10:29 AM)

 

 

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Comments

Thank you for posting a response. It serves as to your journalistic integrity and why the investigations you have been doing have served to many parents on the fact they need to teach their kids on the danger of internet predators. Thank you Chris and keep on doing the good work.

Brett, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 11:37 AM)

I have a 13yr old boy and I wish you and your people would come to my town. The people who are against what you are doing are either perverts or live with one. There's no other logical explanation as to why they wouldn't want you to continue what you are doing. I love watching these sickos get caught but its also very scary to know how many are out there. Thanks for caring so much

Sue Manchester, CT (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 1:16 PM)

I have been a big fan of the show since the first "To Catch a Predator". Yes, maybe some residents are getting irritated and upset that stings are being held in their neighborhoods. The show definitely proves though that this kind of stuff happens in any kind of neighborhood and that is a fact that these residents should consider. All the show is proving that these men do not care or take in consideration where the child lives or the fact that there is a school nearby. I am grateful for a show like yours that is not afraid to show the truth.

Olivia, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 1:18 PM)

I live in West Palm Beach, FL and wish your show would come to my area. We have had our share of predators, and we're talking about well known people. A well known meteorologist named Bill Kamal was exposed when he tried to meet up with what he thought was a 13 year old boy in Ft. Pierce, FL. Or, we had a well known radio and TV announcer, Bruno Moore, who did traffic reports recently caught e-mailing a girl back and forth after this girl requested he play a song on the radio station he worked at. Plus, we had a popular band director at my daughter's school who was jailed for trying to meet at an undisclosed location for sex. Being the states of Florida and California seem to have large populations, these two states also seem to be the ones who have the largest number of sexual predators. Keep up the good work, Chris Hansen!

Jack, Lake Worth, FL (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 2:20 PM)

I was glad to read the response from Mr. Hansen to the TX councilman. Now we can see what's accurate and what is not, hopefully both parties told the truth. I personally feel that the councilman does not like the sting happening in his area. It may look bad on the community but the truth of the matter is that predators are everywhere. On the councilman's end, I think he should be happy that these predatos were caught, otherwise they would have most likely ended up with an underage who's not part of the sting and breaking the law.

Misty, Cleveland, OH (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 2:26 PM)

As a mother of 3 girls who use the internet I am glad that you are doing the catch a preditor stories... We can't allow these people the anonymity of the internet so they can prey on innocent children. Making these stories public hopefully will keep more children safe and catch these preditors before they do irreparable damage. At least they know someone is watching. Keep up the good work Chris!!

Pam, Berlin, WI (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 2:40 PM)

To the Dateline Crew and Perverted Justice Crew Thanks to all of you for giving this subject the attention it needs. Our children now more than ever have to be more vigilant in their everyday lives to be more careful in their choices and they need our guidance to help them make the safe choice. Your show has proven time and again that we (the parents) need to be more involved in our children's online lives to prevent these monsters from getting our children. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

Mary D (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 2:55 PM)

I must say I am SO GLAD you're doing this "To Catch A Predator" series. Now all you should do is go to every city you possibly can do get these weirdo's locked up. It's a crying shame that these sicko's are allowed to harm our children. God help this nation. It's a sorry state. I just love the show and hope you keep doing it, these predators must be put away. What's really scary is that some of these people have good jobs and have families. What the heck is wrong with them??? I just don't get it. And it seems they all have the same pathetic excuse, "this is the first time". I love it when the police are outside waiting to capture them. It really makes me feel so good that one less weirdo is off the street. Keep up the good work. And by the way Chris, you do a wonderful job and act very professional.

Diane Morgan (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 2:58 PM)

I watched the show in Texas and noone made the guy take his life it was by his own choosing. I would think dateline would have more supporters for there sting operation than against them. Thank you Dateline and Chris Hanson for doing a great job. I wish you would appear in Jacksonville,Florida to do a sting. This cannot save everyone but maybe before another child is snatched like Jessica Lungsford in Tampa, Florida atleast the predator would be leary. I really think this is just another step to help prevent some of these weirdo's on our streets. I think there should be tougher laws past just for them even thinking about it instead of a slap on the hand. I would only hope oneday you would push for tougher laws and with the evidence you have on film and the supporters you have watching your show it would help get tougher laws passed. I cant Thank you enough.

Sherry Mullins,Jax,Fl (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 3:19 PM)

Dear Mr. Hansen, I want to thank you and Dateline for the work you are doing in trying to protect our children. As the mother of a 5 year old daughter, I am always trying to teach her about "stranger danger" and in a few short years, my concerns will include the internet, I'm certain. I wish there were more people like you, John Walsh, and the others who have made it their mission to protect the children of this world. I seriously question the motives and intentions of those who would criticize your efforts with such anger. Surely they are misguided and misinformed. Please bring your tactics, talent and crew to CT.

Kristin, Northford, CT (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 3:24 PM)

How come Dateline is allowed to describe and quote vivid descriptions of sexual acts upon underage children? Why isn't that child pornography. After all, all these holier-than-thou accusers on here wouldn't find it so riveting if it were highly titillating to hear. Dateline really makes me sick.

david L (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 3:28 PM)

It amazes me how people can feel sorry for a Man who takes his own life because he knows he is going to be exposed for the person that he is. The only reason I can think of is that they are afraid that this may have some reflection on them as they were friends or acquaintances of this person, why else would you want to protect such a nasty person that would hurt our children in this way. I do not live in the USA but I am proud of the work that dateline and preverted Justice is doing to protect the future of our world (our children) Thanks

Sandie, Toronto, Ontario Canada (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 3:57 PM)

The Murphy residents who opposed the sting operation were at best misinformed and at worst completely ignorant, perhaps even stupid. Dateline does not bring the predators into a sleepy community like Murphy, the predators are already there. It doesn't take Perverted Justice or Chris Hansen for a predator to enter a house. All the predator needs is a curious young child and absent parents. Bravo for your work in Long Beach. Keep up the fight

Rob, Long Beach, CA (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 4:09 PM)

I can honestly say I turn the channel of To Catch A Predator appears on my TV. I support the prevention of child sexual predators, obviously, but I find the show similar to the many reality TV shows - overstated, overdramatized, staged, and a reflection of the sad side of our culture. I want the predators caught, but I certainly don't want to know all the details associated with their crime. Yuck. Who watches this stuff?

Susan Wilston (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 4:43 PM)

Chris, let me first briefly say that I think the idea of exposing just how prevalent this problem is in very different parts of the country in small towns and big cities alike is a wonderful thing. However, you spend very little time in the show talking about how to get help and no time talking about what causes pedophilia. I do not by any means want to excuse the behavior - those that pursue these abhorent desires should be caught and punished. But, the vast majority of pedophiles are themselves victims of sexual abuse in their childhood. They often are people who would otherwise be normal (the range of professions show this - including many in public service such as a fireman, a worker for the dept. of homeland security, a rabbi and the assistant D.A. to name a few) except that they too were victimized and have not been able to properly handle what happened to them. Most people would think that psychological help is readily available, but sadly that is not really the case. If you go to a psychologist, most of them have you sign a release form that says if they believe you may pose a danger to society that they MUST report you to the police. I have never personally had any inclination toward pedophilia at all, but I have known a couple of people who were victims and struggled with it tremendously year after year, constantly engaged in a hellacious battle of good and evil inside themselves - afraid to turn to anyone for help for fear they'll just be turned over to police as being a "threat to society." Even if not turned over to police, the thing they wrestle with is so horrible that if it ever got out it could ruin their entire life - job, marriage, etc. How then can we address this problem? Even if we were magically able and willing to punish everyone who attempts to go through with carrying on the cycle of pedophilia, it would not end the suffering of those innocent victims of pedophilia who struggle daily to continue resisting temptation. So I issue a strong plea for you to address the cause and treatment of pedophilia in your show, not just the crime and punishment aspect of it. Thank you!

Concerned, A city not so far from Murphy, TX (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 4:45 PM)

I unfortunately have experienced having a child family member sexually molested and it is not something that you ever forget about. In our case it was not something that happended through the Internet, however it was extremely devastating to my niece who was 5 years old at the time and will be something that she never forgets. Too many people are too lax when it comes to the safety of their children. My youngest just turned 21 years old but throughout his years o growing up I saw so many children whos parents have no idea what they are doing or even where they are and just don't seem to care. Remember, it only takes a moment to ruin a childs life. They are our most precious resource and should be taken care of accordingly. Know what your kids are doing on the internet-don't let it become another instant babysitter like your TV. Be involved in their lives. No matter what they say to you or how old they are, they want you involved and they want you to care. Bless each one of them!!!

Carla S. (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 4:50 PM)

Chris, Where were you in the 60’s when I was being abused? I am so happy that you are bringing this nasty but serious issue to the frontline. I was sexually abused by many people while I was growing up in the 60’s and 70s’ I wore the mental scars until I felt safe to discuss it with a agency called Parents United. If it would not have been for me getting in touch with this group I would not be here today. Still I cringe every time I hear a pedophile has been arrested here in the Bay Area. I always have to watch to see if perhaps it was one of my offenders. It makes me feel good to see you catching these guys before they actually destroy another kid’s life. I want to thank you for saving some kids from being violated. We need more champions like you; I know I have seen a few others out there like Oprah Winfrey and Bill O’Reilley. You all deliver the message loud and clear I just hope these pedophiles get it.

Randy P, Concord CA (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 4:53 PM)

Recently, one of the predators confronted by the police was an assistant district attorney who promptly shot himself in the head when the police broke into his home. I am not surprised that this finally happened to someone. I was surprised when some of what I read indicated that Dateline was puzzled about why someone would take their own life instead of surrendering. Some of those, but only a few, seem to be almost instantly aware that their life has been turned upside down and they will never be the same. Most, if not all, of them will lose not only their jobs and careers, but their freedom as well. Some of them will lose their mates and other family members and friends will turn their backs on them. It will be costly in terms of time, money, and respect. They will probably have to explain themselves to everyone in their future with whom they need to develop some kind of relationship, and of course, they must notify the police everytime they move to another address. Those who are not aware of what they will confront in the near term and long term will still find out very quickly and will still have to wrestle with events as they occur. So it should not be any wonder why a successful individual with the dark secret of being a sexual predator may choose suicide rather than face probably years and possibly a lifetime of derision and enforced non-contact with all children, including their own once they are exposed for all the world to see. Sexual predation of children must be as powerful in some adults as some drugs are to drug addicts. Catching a predator is laudable. But how do you stop them before they fall into the abyss of their own primative urges?

Larry Hires (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 4:56 PM)

WHY is it every guy that gets caught always has the same line , well i wasn't really going to have sex , just talk , or i thought they were older , do they really think anyone beleives them !! keep up the good work ,

jane doe iowa (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 5:58 PM)

I absolutely love the show and Chris Hannson. I just can't believe how many predetors are out there!!!! I watch this show religously and will continue to support it in every way i can. Keep up the Great work and don't let nothing stop you for watching out for our children. Lisa

Lisa Stellato, Lexington, South Carolina (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 6:24 PM)

I absolutely love the show and Chris Hannson. I just can't believe how many predetors are out there!!!! I watch this show religously and will continue to support it in every way i can. Keep up the Great work and don't let nothing stop you for watching out for our children. Lisa

Lisa Stellato, Lexington, South Carolina (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 6:25 PM)

This show is like cops. I myself don't do what this show is about but It just teaches those type of people how to watch out for a bust. If it was in my area I would also stand outside it and protest the unsafe manor of how its done. In closing, you've gotten one person killed for TV, way to go, how many till you stop. but keep up what you are doing in teaching predators what to look out for, and how much bail money to have.

john doe, indianapolis,in (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 6:52 PM)

To those that complain about a sting in their neighborhood, I say this... Better for it to be a sting than someone actually molesting a neighborhood kid. Good job Chris. It's obvious that some people in Murphy, Texas do not have common sense.

Colin, Milwaukee WI (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 7:00 PM)

I enjoy your show. I look at it every Tuesday with my 2 daughters. If someone is offended for exposing people in their neighborhood, then they have a seriuos problem. It should not matter if you are a politician or famous, the law is the law. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

Verlyn J. Crawford, Gastonia, North Carolina (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 7:02 PM)

Stick your cameras and house RIGHT ON MY STREET. Let the creeps know - they come into THIS neighborhood, they might be coming where the cops are! That's bad? Uh, how? The NEXT creep might think twice before he tries coming after MY DAUGHTER? Who's against this? The predators? They're the only people that I can understand objecting - and frankly, I don't care if they do.

Karl Denninger, Niceville, FL (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 7:39 PM)

I wish you would come to our little town. We live in the North and everyone here thinks nothing like this goes on here. I think what you are doing is great.

Maurene Hakes (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 8:43 PM)

i can't believe that after all these shows that you have done there are still these dumb perverted men out there luring kids to do sexual favors. Can't they find perverts their own age to have their fantasies with?

n.washburn windsor locks, ct. (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 9:48 PM)

Chris, what you, msnbc and perverted justice are doing is great. I am a mother of two daughters that are 15 and 21. These sicko's are out there and I just cant get over how many of these pervs keep coming back after seeing your program. Disgusting and sickening, to see that some of them work with children. If it werent for your show, these folks would be getting away with this crap. Thanks for all you do and keep yourselves safe. You never know what these nuts will do.

Karen Doe, Massachusetts (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 9:48 PM)

please come to maine chris. we could really use you folks here ... biddeford maine we have alot in this city...

Raymond McEwen Biddeford, Maine (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 9:49 PM)

I would like to watch your show because I think you are doing a great service but it sickens me to hear you repeating the perverted dialoge that goes on during the sting. I understand you need to show what is going on but I feel you could be way more tastful in your presentation. I turn the show off now because I don't want to hear this discusting language. My mind fills in the blanks and the bleeps and I don't want that stuff in my mind!! Yuck.

JLH, Portland, OR (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 11:15 PM)

I've read the entire blog; and now want to say what I think some people tip-toed around. To the Council member in Murphy, Texas....shame on you....you are sounding just like the pervs...making up stories and excuses; pretending you know better...come clean and tell YOUR true side of the story...are you afraid of some misdoing on your behalf? Don't hide behind the words "councilmember"! Any father and mother with true integrity and love for their children would welcome any STING THAT HAS SUCH A STRONG OFFICER PRESENCE to change those things that treaten their children. You are the minority...which leads to the question of WHY...What have you been doing to make things better? I am thrilled that people like Chris Hannson has what it takes to challenge the filth in this world! He's trying to make a difference! The only difference you are trying to make is to let the filth get away with it!

Totally Disgusted with "Mr Council member", Phoenix, AZ (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 11:41 PM)

People, people, people, do you really think that your neighborhood is safe. Of course you do we all do. This show should have opened your eyes to show you that no matter how nice and upstanding you think your neighbors are. There could always be trouble in their minds. You do not know what they do behind closed door nor do they know what you do. Wasn't there someone arrested that lived very close to this divison. Aren't you glad that dateline found him and not your child....

Mary Knoxville TN (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 12:32 AM)

Don't you people have a conscience? Your chasing down of that district attorney in Missouri was inhuman. You caused the death of a man who had not even left his home. Hardly a predator. For shame.

Tim Garibaldi (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 12:33 AM)

I appreciate what is being done, at least someone cares about this issue! I would like to see it happen in this town where I live. The assistant D.A. knew he had done wrong and couldn't face the truth about himself. He didn't want to face his peers nor his family. I am sorry things went the way they did, but truth is truth. He knew he was in some major trouble...FOR GOD SAKES...WAKE UP PEOPLE...IT IS HAPPENING EVERYWHERE! I APPRECIATE YOU CHRIS,AND PLEASE DO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

Donna Bundy ...Anderson,Indiana (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 10:27 AM)

I was frontline to this investigation and I know the councilmember who was portrayed as stirring this up. He did not. Several neighbors noticed suspicious activities and when two went to the MPD to make a report were dismissed. That is what sent the neighbors in search of more information on what was really going on in the neighborhood. And we all agree that catching criminals, particularly child predators is a good thing. But if Chris is unaware of the two police chases, perhaps he should check back in with the MPD. And as far as the cocaine being found in an area that no predator would have been, well I don't know how that's possible as the intersection was mentioned on national TV when a decoy was giving directions. Our concerns about armed predators being lured was also dismissed as strictly a fearful "what if." But Conradt WAS armed, he just chose to take his own life instead of one of our officers. And in Flagler Beach an armed predator DID come to the house. Our concerns are very real. But our hopes now are just to work with our MPD to get them the resources they need so they don't feel they have to partner with non-law enforcement entities and have their integrity questioned.

Colleen (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 3:57 PM)

I too am a fan of the show. I don't believe Dateline was the reason for the suicide of the assistant DA, either. He was treading a fine line - obviously a man of character that was crossing the line and guilt got to him. This happens. That's why they have suicide watches in jails. No one could have expected it - he was just closer to the edge than they thought. I am curious however, as to whether or not there are female predators out there .. or is this a male-only thing?

Ann McFarlane, Seattle, WA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:01 PM)

I don't understand why so many MEN are upset about the district attorney killing himself and blaming it on Dateline. An officer that the DA personally KNEW went to his door and knocked on it. The DA didn't even know Dateline was there. Gee, why would the DA kill himself? Probably because he knew "the jig was up" as they say. He deleted his myspace account, which most likely meant he was starting to get suspicious. When the computer locks are broken through, they will probably find alot of child pornography. If you think he really did nothing wrong, then I'm sure you wouldn't mind your pre-teen having sexual chats with a guy like him online or on the phone. Get your facts straight, people, nobody "chased him down."

Sharon C, Fresno, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:16 PM)

I watched your show for the first time last night, and was very impressed by it. Even though it may not stop every predator, it will at least put the thought in their heads that they may be caught and will think twice about it. Not saying that it will stop them from ever doing it again, but maybe at that one point, one child will be saved. Coming from a family that has had more than one member sexually abused, and watching the effects it has had on their lives from the time they were abused, until the present, even just stopping one person from hurting a child is better than nothing.I believe that what dateline and Chris Hansen are doing, is amazing even if it is only stopping these creeps from hurting one child...one child is better than none. Keep up the great work. I wish we had something like this in Canada.

Brandy, Alberta, Canada (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:57 PM)

As far as i'm concerned,it's a damn shame that there have to be people like these perverts loose on the streets. All you good guys go ahead,give em HELL! These sickos need to be castrated,every damn one of them!

C T Monroe MI (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 12:06 AM)

Did i cuss too much? Well,that's how I feel. I'm a 66 yr old great gramma. It's really disgusting what our kids are up against. Keep up the good work,no matter what neighborhood you have to go to.

Cathie Monroe, MI (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 12:14 AM)

I am glad Dateline is doing "to catch a Predator" There is no excuse for these predators. It was sad that the DA in Texas committed suicide, but it was not Dateline's fault. I know that he will never prey, sexually abuse, or destroy any life of a child. Keep up the good work and do not compromise with the perverts or their families.

John F, Valdosta, GA (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 7:39 AM)

It seems to me the councilmember is more likely to have accurate information about Murphy and the local police than Dateline, which only cares about presenting itself as some pious defender of kids to gain ratings, not public safety. Doing this near a school should be a prosecutable offense for the Dateline producers and reporters. In fact, under Texas law it may be - if sex offenders aren't allowed near schools, I don't see why it wouldn't be a crime for Dateline to actively attempt to draw them there. Dateline is creating crime and putting the communities they're supposedly "protecting" in danger. It's sad that some folks think this is a positive thing, when really it's exactly the opposite - the pervert would never have come into your neighborhood anyway if they weren't solicited, ginned up, and drawn there by a ratings-driven corporation through what's essentially entrapment. This is no longer journalism, just another version of reality TV, minus the reality.

Scott Henson, Austin, TX (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 8:28 AM)

Dateline, please continue with the good work.I am really shocked to hear this kind of response from a councilmember. He has no idea what sexual abuse does to you. This is one kind of traumer you never get over. I have been there. So "conucilmember" you need to wake up. If at all some thing was wrong with the way the operation was conducted, I don't think it is right for anyone to persecute Dtaeline. Whatever they did was with good intension. One of those children could have been yours. As for the Asst.DA who killed himself, I have no sympathy for him. What about those children's lives that have been destroyed?. Some have had to commite suicide due to the traumer of sexual abuse. I happen to work in a children psychiatric hospital. Most of these children develop psychiatric disorgers as a result of trauma from sexual abuse. This is heartbreaking. So for those who think Dateline is too harsh on the the predators, you need to start examining yourselves. Once again keep up the good work.

B.B NY (Sent Saturday, March 03, 2007 6:59 PM)

I live in Mablevale,Arkansas...the Benton police dept. have conducted stings such as Dateline, and predators were coming out of the wood-works! Its everywhere! PARENTS BE AWARE...IT'S IN YOU OWN BACKYARD! Keep up the GREAT work!

jules mabelvale arkansas (Sent Monday, March 05, 2007 2:28 AM)

like many americans, I too am fascinated with Chris Hansen's 'To Catch A Predator'. It is all so alarming,disturbing and sad. What I am most struck by with these sting operations is the incredible amount of adult males who are truly unable to have honest and meaningful relationships with women. It seems they would rather pretend to be big shots and "mentors" to these young kids instead of working on themselves intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. No wonder there are so many single and divorced women in America. Chris Hansen is great journalist, keep up the great work. How does Chris stay so calm during the confrontations with these guys?

Nancy Muldoon Saratoga Springs, New York (Sent Monday, March 05, 2007 11:59 AM)

My husband and I love what you guys are doing. There are too many people who just don't realize how many sick people are out there. The fact that one of the sting operations took place near a school is great. It shows the community that although there are laws saying it is illegal for a registered sex offenders to be near schools, churchs, children etc, it ISN'T STOPPING it from happening. Keep up the good work. My husband and I will be watching Tuesday.

Veronica Gibson, KY (Sent Monday, March 05, 2007 12:31 PM)

dear dateline:of course everbody pleads not guilty everbody watching can see that.i hope that later you will tell us what they got in way of senticing thank you"

tubbie11,maryville,tenn. (Sent Monday, March 05, 2007 1:31 PM)

i just hope that justice is given

tubbie11,maryville,tenn. (Sent Monday, March 05, 2007 1:33 PM)

Personally, I appreciate the work that Dateline NBC, Chris Hansen, and Perverted Justice has done to expose this. The death of that attorney in Texas was caused by his own hand, no one else's. I hope they come to Chicago to expose the sick people here, but the Chicago Punk (police) Department is too corrupt to allow this to happen. Please keep up the good work.

M. L. White, Chicago, IL (Sent Monday, March 05, 2007 2:09 PM)

I find it hard to believe that no females have ever fallen into the trap of Perverted Justice. With the recent arrests of female teachers having sex with underage males and females, I am sure that there are some out there looking for a sexual encounter.

Phil Richardson, Brooksville, FL (Sent Monday, March 05, 2007 6:51 PM)



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