ABOUT INSIDE DATELINE

Inside Dateline is your Web line into Studio 3B, providing you with a personal behind-the-scenes look at how we bring you our stories.

Whether it's a gripping crime tale, a hidden camera investigation, or a celebrity newsmaker profile -- Dateline correspondents and producers spend days, months, and sometimes even years researching and reporting the story. Learn more about what goes on inside our investigations, and find out more about some of the people we've met.

Ann Curry hosts Dateline. Dateline's producers, correspondents and host post here often. Previews to upcoming stories, more information on our reports, and follow-ups can be found on this blog.



Despite probation, man still shows up at 'Predator' house

Posted: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:55 AM by Dateline Editor
Filed Under: ,

By Chris Hansen, Dateline Correspondent

More often than not, when a potential predator shows up at one of our hidden camera houses he has no criminal history for sexual assault or soliciting a minor online for sex. But when a convicted sex offender does come over, we typically know in advance. That’s because most states have easily accessible databases where you can simply enter a name and other identifying information and if there’s a match you’ll know in seconds.

Such is the case as we continue our “To Catch A Predator” investigation in Ocean County, New Jersey. Before 36-year-old Todd Lewis even knocks on our door, we suspect that he’s the same Todd Lewis who in 2003 pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. As you’ll see, it doesn’t appear that he’s learned his lesson in the four years since.

Court documents from the earlier case show that Lewis met his victim online. He admitted taking the girl to a wooded area, engaging in kissing and having her perform oral sex on him. Lewis served less than a year in prison for that case and was released on good behavior.

When you see him walk into our house in Ocean County, he’s still on probation. The earlier case is eerily similar to what we see Lewis do in our investigation. Again the intended victim is a 14-year-old girl. Again, Lewis wants the girl to perform oral sex on him and again he first meets his target on the Internet.

His chat with the decoy from the online watchdog group Perverted Justice goes on for the better part of five days. How intent was he on meeting our decoy? Wait until you see how long it took him to get here and how he traveled on an unseasonably cold night. It is one of many surprises as “To Catch A Predator” New Jersey continues.

Part two of "To Catch a Predator" New Jersey airs tonight, July 25, at 10 p.m. on NBC. Click here to watch part one.

To search for sex offenders in your area, visit the National Sex Offender Public Registry.

MAIN PAGE

Email this EMAIL THIS

Comments

Honestly, what do you expect? Most people will habitually commit the same crime, especially if not given proper treatment.  Jail time is not treatment, it is punishment.  Without treatment these people just go back to the same thing they always did.

Emily, Waco, Tx (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 1:07 PM)

Can't wait to see tonight's show.  You and your crew are doing a great job.  I had no idea there were that many "IDIOT" perverts in this world (scary).  Keep up the good work.

judy workman (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 1:17 PM)

Despite the 'issues' from Texas, I think the 'To Catch A...' series is a good one, not for entertainment purposes but because it publicizes what actually happens with little embellishment. The sad part of it is, people know about these shows/stings (some caught on tape even praising Chris Hansen) and still do it.

This leads me to believe that either some people are ridiculously stupid, or these issues are something that can only be treated with long-term care or incarceration, and lifetime monitoring of these individuals.

John Doe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 1:19 PM)

Keep up the great work guys.

Siobhan Wilson, Corvallis, Montana (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 1:46 PM)

YOU WOULD THINK BY NOW THIS PERVERT AND THE OTHERS OUT THERE WOULD HAVE CAUGHT AT LEAST ONE EPISODE OF "TO CATCH A PREDATOR", OR EVEN HEARD HOW THEY ARE BEING EXPLOITED AND IT WOULD DETOUR THEM, HOWEVER IT DOESN'T. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND LETS FIND A SPECIAL PLACE TO PUT THEM ALL!!

Nancy Fleming, Fayetteville, N.C. (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 1:48 PM)

my thanks goes out to the people who catch these predators. Why in this modern age do we not puta monitoring device to be kept on these people all the time.

nancy napier corbin ky (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2:01 PM)

I'M FROM PLANO TX NOT FAR FROM MURPHY, TEXAS AND I THINK ITS A COMPLETE SHAME THAT SOME PEOPLE FROM MURPHY AND A CERTAIN TELEVISION STATION IN THE DFW AREA IS FOCUSING ON NBC NEWS AND PERVERTED JUSTICE FOR DOING SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN TODAYS SOCIETY. INSTEAD OF SEEING WHAT THE FRUITS OF THE OPERATION IS, WHICH IS GETTING SEXUAL PREDATORS OFF THE STREET. THEY ARE FOCUSING ON HOW IT WAS DONE. AND THE COLLIN COUNTY DA LETTING ALL THOSE PREDATORS OFF IS A TRAVESTY AND RIDICULOUS.

I HOPE NBC NEWS AND PERVERTED JUSTICE KEEP DOING REPORTS AND INVESTIGATION LIKE THESE NO MATTER WHAT NAIEVE COMMUNITY OR LAWSUITS IT BRINGS! GOOD JOB DATELINE ON THE "TO CATCH A PREDATOR" SERIES.  

DAMIAN TAYLOR, PLANO, TX. (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2:11 PM)

There is no treatment for sex offenders.  I say we remove them from the face of this earth.  They don't belong in society! Jail is even too good for them.

Lucy Lu (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2:32 PM)

The fact that these shows are so publicized and these perves still show up to these houses, just goes to show you how sick they are.

Brisa, Norwalk, CA (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2:34 PM)

There are ways to keep these people from reoffending.  Lock them up for the rest of their lives with no chance of parole ever.  The last time I checked people that were either sentenced to life in prison or put to death for their crimes had a reoffence rate of ZERO!  Probabtion or other soft sencteces to not work and do nothing to deter others from committing similar crimes.

Sean CO (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2:34 PM)

What in the hell was he doing out of jail???  While we've all got our knickers in a wad over illegal immigrants, poor widdle Lohan, Spears and Hilton, people who smoke cigarettes, whether a white woman or a black man can be president, and all kinds of ridiculous things, we're letting child rapists get away with it over and over and over again.  I just checked the registry for all the ones in my county and it appears to me that ALL of them received nothing more than a slap on the wrist.

Tillie, Parkersburg, WV (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2:47 PM)

My husband and I watch this show regularly.  You guys are doing some great things.  Shockingly, I see there are four registered sex offenders in our area.  VERY SCARY!!!

Reema, Severna Park, MD (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2:50 PM)

Longer and harsher punishments are the best answer.  This is not a rehabilatative offense.  When confronted, they are all so similar in their responses, "oh, that's not what I was here for."

John Doe, Seattle, Wash :) (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2:53 PM)

I am terribly sorry what happened in Murphy Tx but if he never was a predator in the 1st place of course this never would have happened. Again keep up the wonderful work you do!

anabella, dallas tx (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2:54 PM)

Show like this help me to show my children that the internet can denger if you start ginving out personal info. you never know who you chatting with in the net.

Dominicano ny ny (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2:56 PM)

There is no cure for sexual offending.  "Treatment" only gives these offenders tools to manage their behaviors.  The offender must choose to utilize the tools they are given.  If they choose to continue their predatory behavior then they need to be held accountable and given longer and longer jail terms to protect the public from their behavior. Some of these offenders will never stop their behavior and are perfect candidates for civil committment which means the public will bear the cost of them continuing to breath, sleep, and eat while locked away.  I guess it's better than them getting their hands on our children.  

Sara Kewalter, Fairmont ID (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2:57 PM)

These predators are broke and cannot be fixed.

Shirley Jackson (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:01 PM)

Good job!  I wish I could do what you are doing and get more off the street!  Thanks for everything that you are doing, some of us really do appreciate it.

Jane Doe, Spokane, WA (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:02 PM)

What type of rehabilitation/counseling is offered these people?  How is it determined if they are likely or not to go out and commit the same crimes?  This is disturbing on so many levels!

Renee, Noblesville, IN (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:05 PM)

You have to admit, though, these guys operate under the same mode of thinking we do if we run a red light or speed on the highway or any number of "little" lawbreaking things. They assume they won't get caught. Has it dissuaded some predators, perhaps, but it probably only makes the truly motivated ones even more cautious, which I'm not fully decided is great. I think the show itself and the idea is superb, and anyone who would try to do this to a child does need to be put in jail, bar none. It's like anything else though, people are going to slip through your fingers, and I wonder if it's just catching the would-be predators, and not catching the people that have been preying on children in previous years. Either way, grabbing these people is totally necessary.

Donna Conrad, Owensboro KY (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:06 PM)

Emily in Waco, wake up! Treatment obviously does  not work with these perverted sickos. Castraton would be more effective and a permanent "tretment"

Maria , Utica NY (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:07 PM)

First I cannot believe that for sex crimes w/ victims, potential victims, that the courts are letting these guys go back on the street, and so quickly. What an evocative subject matter, but worthy of considerable attention to show the public the extent of the dangers are online for young folks around the country. Truly you are doing a great job how you are presenting this. In so far as the Texas suite, it is without merit. The justice of saving victims far out ways the secondary whiplash these perps are getting. I feel bad for the family left behind by the Texas man, and sorry for him, but you truly are handling this very well. Continue the good work!!!

Paddy in St Louis (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:12 PM)

What is chilling to me is that the perverts that are caught in your NBC stings are just a drop in a big bucket of perverts that continue to prey on children every day!  It sickens me that a lawyer would even consider making money off of a lawsuit to protect someone who was clearly a danger to children.  Keep up the good work!

Valerie, California (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:12 PM)

It's clear offenders are almost always repeat offenders.  What worries me is somehow, someway our society is tacitly approving of this behavior or there wouldn't be so many.  Has predator's staff talked to experts about this?  If so, is there a common link between all offenders (i.e. age started, behavior/preferences that preceded "going over the line" into illegal/highly questionable behavior?).  

I'm asking because we know now that almost all serial killers start with abusing animals first.  Educating parents/teachers/counselors on what to look/look out for would be another benefit of predatory besides the obvious of catching/prosecuting/imprisoning offenders.  

Colette Duranleau, Denver, CO (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:13 PM)

There is no known proven "rehab" for these sexual predators. Most are repeat offenders. We must protect our kids, whatever it takes. Maybe, we could send them to Murphy? I hope the DA does not have children or grandchildren, if one of these predators that he let go did something to them, What would he tell them?

Steve Scott Lockport NY (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:15 PM)

Its really scary to watch on your show that there are so many weirdos out there praying on our children. I really think that repeat sexual predators should qualify for capitol punishment. Theres got to be a point where we draw a line with these people our children could be scarred for life if we continue to have a lax trigger finger for these creeps.

Jim Syracuse NY (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:16 PM)

These people can't be helped. They ruin many peoples lives in the process and scar children for life. They are attracted to children. That is like asking them to change their sexuality. If you are a man and are told you need to never think of women again or have any sexual contact with them, that is impossible if you are a straight male. These men, same thing, they want children. They should die a slow painful death.

M Pennsylvania (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:18 PM)

I love the show and make my kids watch it with me every time it comes on. I agree with what they are doing, which is trying to get child predators off the street. My hat's off to Dateline and NBC!!!!!

Christy Cooper, Lewisburg, TN (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:18 PM)

I believe that the DA that let all of those preditors off should be punished.  But I also think that if someone talks on line and then desides that the meeting should never take place should be left alone.  Maybe a heads up to the police department in that town, but, I don't believe that anyone on To Catch a Preditor should go to the peoples homes themselves.  You didn't catch anything, the guy thought better of it and didn't come to your house.  He shouldn't have been harrased by you unless he did.

Miss Doe, La (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:19 PM)

Keep up the good work "delete" to those who think otherwise.  This is one topic where there is only one answer!

L.WOLFE, CHICAGO, IL (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:21 PM)

These people can't be helped. They ruin many peoples lives in the process and scar children for life. They are attracted to children. That is like asking them to change their sexuality. If you are a man and are told you need to never think of women again or have any sexual contact with them, that is impossible if you are a straight male. These men, same thing, they want children.

M Pennsylvania (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:22 PM)

Why don't we have a 24 hour To Catch a Predator Cable Channel....than we could catch more of these freaks.

Susan, Kansas CIty, MO (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:25 PM)

Turn the tables.... Look for women preying on young boys and girls.

Scott (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:25 PM)

I really hope that (maybe) there will be less of these young children and young adults from being hurt by these sick perverts. This goes to show you that there are really stupid people out there!  KEEP UP THE AWESOME WORK GUYS....

Rose,San Diego,CA (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:29 PM)

I would have to agree to a point w/Waco, that these people do need treatment, but a good stiff jail sentence is also needed as they must be accountable for what they have done.
I love watching this program and am constantly amazed at the people that show up and recognize Chris Hansen.
Keep up the great work for getting these sick people off the street!

David Milwaukee, WI (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:44 PM)

I think the show does great work in highlighting a ugly reality. The Texas issues were unfortunate but the point is obvious. Predators are in EVERY state and almost every town. The awareness, protection & guidance you provide is excellent. Well done !

Sean Graham Plainfield,NJ (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:44 PM)

Rehabilitate them? Perverts are addicts, just like the stars we see so often going back and forth to Rehab, only to repeat their offenses that wound them in trouble in the first place.

Get a CLUE, people! Rehab is NOT WORKING, and I am sorry to inform you, but I REFUSE to allow these sicko's a "second chance" in a society where innocent children are being victimized and raped and murdered by these sick freaks, just to PROVE that Rehab is a JOKE in a large percentage of cases!

Our kids are not guinea pigs!

Concerned Mom (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:48 PM)

Uh, folks, not saying it condones what this clown did but no where in this article does it say that the first 14 year old girl was "forced" to do anything.  Just food for thought.....

Brandon Bishop, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:48 PM)

It's amazing to me that these predators continue to do this after the program has aired so many times.  Some people learn from their mistakes, but these guys have to really be stupid.  Risking their freedom, marriages, etc., for what.  And these are the ones that actually get caught - how many of them are out there.

Shirley W., Harrington, Delaware (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:53 PM)

Excellent job Mr. Hansen.  Unfortunately, I don't believe that these perverts can be treated and they should be locked up with zero chance of ever getting out.  Many of them have admitted that if they are freed from jail they'll just go and do it again.  It's a sickness with no cure and they should never be allowed to see the light of day.

Dan Coglianese, Oak Forest, IL (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 3:54 PM)

I love what this program is doing...I do have a hard time watching an entire episode as I am constantly astounded at the sheer number of men who are caught by this program.  It is absolutely amazing to me, how many men are out there who go after underaged kids and this is just from what we see from the program.  

Who knows how many more are out there, the thought is very disturbing.  

I'd really like to see Dateline do a follow up program about how and whether these men get the help they need so they stop doing this or something along more psychological lines to explain to the public WHY these men are doing this and what can be done about it other than putting them in jail?

skootter (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:00 PM)

Why in HADES name do we not micro-chip these people?!?!?  If you are convicted of a crime against nature, crime against a minor child, or any type of assault or attempted assault/murder, or murder you are REQUIRED to be micro-chipped.  You have already lost your right to live in a humane society and should be treated like the animal you are.  Why should a sexual preditor or ANY criminal be able to enjoy things like cable TV, internet access, or recreational facilities when most single parents have to decide weither to pay the rent and bills or feed and clothe their children?  We live in a country where the criminal gets all the benifits without the freedom but the poor and potential victims get the freedom but barely scrape a living together on minimum wage.  It is just wrong, period, end of discussion!

MW, Charleston SC (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:01 PM)

I have never actually seen this show, but there are somethings about it that seem to be entrapment just for what I have heared about it and justice that is slanted to catch people, no matter how terrible and worthless they truly are, is not really justice.  I know this comment will not appear because it dosent say keep up the wonderful job

Ian Arkansas (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:03 PM)

Honesly, this is a good thing you are doing. However, as a man, if you entice these people to come and possibly have sex with an underage girl, you are enticing them to come. It's almost entrapment. Intent is not cause to be labeled as a sex offender. I feel what your entire show is based on is wrong. You are messing with human nature and men's general sex drive. These are animal instincts. You may end up being the one hurt, physically.

Victor No Northridge Ca (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:08 PM)

I would like to commend Chris Hansen and the entire Dateline team for the wonderful work that they are doing to keep these predators off the streets. I only hope that the courts give these people jail time and not just probation!

Amy Scoville (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:10 PM)

I think Scott has a point: All we see are men. Where are the women who prey on children? It's not only men even though they seem to be the only ones getting caught. Maybe Dateline should think about doing a show where it's women who are contacting targets.

Christy Cooper, Lewisburg, TN (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:12 PM)

Reading this article I fully understand how rehabiltation is currently working.  NOT  And what's even more tragic is all the smart ones who've learned to stay away. Thank You Dateline for continuing this investigation. Keep up the great work.

Corinney, Colorado Springs, Colorado (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:14 PM)

Chris and Dateline producers:  how about doing a series with psychiatrists, psychotherapists, sex offender counselors, law enforcement, etc about how this epidemic has happened?  How have so many seemingly normal men (granted, there are plenty of obviously disturbed men) gotten caught up in a world where fantasy turns to reality, where these men are willing to risk everything to prey on a young person?  It's absolutely disheartening to watch clergy, youth pastors, military men, teachers, lawyers, and doctors who are sexual predators!  Help me to understand this, because I have such a hard time wrapping my brain around this.    

Kim, Leesburg, VA (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:17 PM)

It seems like a battle that will never be won partly due to our "Justice Sytem" that lets someone serve less than a year for sexual assaul on a child and the fact that our society is horrid. I live by the rule that I could never be over protective with my daughter even if it takes spyware being placed on my computer. Explain that you trust your child but not others out there in society. Remember parents, once something happens you can not go back and fix it! One day when your child has children of their own they will thank you.

Tina Walker Greenfield IN (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:19 PM)

I understand that you feel you are trying to control a problem. I'm just not sure if you are actually doing it for the right reasons or the sensationalism of tv viewing. Watching the police tackle someone to the ground when they have not resisted is nothing more than acting the part.... if you really are trying to make a difference, then maybe your producers should not make it so alluring, enticing and easy for these men... I question if Chris Hansen would be doing this if he didn't think it would make for good ratings!  

Vickie, Denver, Colorado (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:23 PM)



SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.): 

 Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private)

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=289374