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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.

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Comments

Brandon:  I think you are naive when you say the 14 year old girl was not "forced" to perform this act.  I does not matter when it comes to a child.  In many cases a 14 year old is not aware of the concequences of an act like this, where the sicko that had her perform the act knows full and well it is wrong.

David Milwaukee, WI (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:29 PM)

Chris Hansen, Perverted Justice, and NBC are doing a wonderful job. There is no cure or treatment for these people. They should be put away for life at the very least.

Barbara Kestner, Lake Worth, FL (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:31 PM)

What a wonderful program this is. I never miss an episode and I always watch the reruns on MSNBC. I have my children watch it just so they can see that the predator is not a "monster like character".  This is a real person.  I am so leary of people stopping to talk to my children because in the back of my mind I'm thinking "Is this person is a predator".  Keep up the good work.  Knowledge Is Power.

Karen, New Britain, CT (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:39 PM)

In 28 states, the magic "age of consent" is under 18, in several states it is 15, in one state (Hawaii) the age of legal consent is 14.  People consistently confuse the customs of their local tribe with the laws of nature.

Throughout much of human history and culture, the "age of consent" kicked in at puberty.

These days, a lot of 14 year olds probably understand sex better than many adults.

"Perversion" is mostly arbitrary.  It was not so long a "perversion" to have sex with someone of another race even if both were of age and consented.  People just "knew it was wrong" and many went to jail or were lynched for it.  There were states where it was presumed by law that if a black man had sex with a white woman it was autmatically classed as rape.

Find a way to determine if the sex is truly consensual and make sure *both* parties know what they are doing regardless of age.  There's a heck of a lot of "adults" out there that should remain celibate until they can demonstrate that they understand the consequences of their acts.

Jim, Southern California (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:40 PM)

There is no "treatment" for sex offenders.  There should be a "one strike" rule where conviction leads to life imprisonment without parole, or even better, death.  Too harsh?  Think about it.  What would you want to happen to the perpetrator of these types of horrendous acts if it occurred to you, your children, or any of your friends or family?  No, these people do not deserve forgiveness in any way, shape, or form.

Troy, California (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:44 PM)

Note to Brandon, Victor & Ian, and anyone else who sympathizes with these criminals...when these guys showed up to "To Catch a Predator" they arrived with every intension to prey on this 14 yr old girl (whether the character was fictional or not), otherwise they never would have actually shown up. I also don't know of any psychologically/emotionally stable adult men who have a desire to sleep with their 14 yr old daughters or anyone else's. Food for thought...and by the way just because the 1st 14 yr child met with the the registered predator does not mean she went willingly. Children are very impressionable, which is what draws these psychos, I mean sickos to them. The day we stop treating these people with kid gloves will be a day of rejoicing for me. We do NOT realize how many people (old & young) have to live with horrible memories/naightmares of abuse and fear of sexual contact, because a man or woman decided they wanted to give in to their male/female "animal" (whatever) instincts.

EXCELLENT WORK and CUDOS to "To Catch A Predator".

Dd in Tampa, FL (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:47 PM)

I have to commend Dateline and especially Chris Hansen for continuing to astonish us with their reports on these predators that exist in everyone's own backyard.  Too bad the people of Murphy, TX feel it's ok for people to to do this, be charged and then have all the charges dropped.  Maybe if it was their own child that were solicited they'd be on the other side of the fence.  Honestly though, in regards to our prosecuter friend in Texas that took his own life, there is nothing worse than the revelation of the truth that would drive someone to do this to themselves.  How many innocent people do you know that take this type of decisive action?  Please continue with these reports, one day all of these predators will know Dateline and Perverted Justice and they'll seek the help they need professionally before they seek new perverted relationships on the internet with our children, or their children or your children.

Christian A., West New York, NJ (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:49 PM)

I agree with most of what is said about sexual predators. I think the job you are doing is great. It should be opening not only the eyes of the predators but of parents as well. I do not agree that there is no help for sexual predators, there is plenty of help but if the predator does not want to be helped then, maybe, life in prison is the solution. I am all for a first strike you get a mandatory sentence of 10 years, a second strike and it's life in prison. I watch the show every time it is on and I laugh at the fools. Each one that is caught, I say out loud for my wife to hear, "Welcome to my world", you see, I am one of those sex offenders listed on Megan's Law website. I have been in counselling for over 5 years, I earned two bachelors degrees and have my own business. I learned from the first time and swore I will have no more victims.

John Doe, Scranton, PA (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:52 PM)

I am a mother of 2 young daughters and my biggest fear in today's society are these sexual predators. There is something very wrong with our system that we can live in such a wealthy and educated country but cannot protect our babies from such evil.  I live in a high income area but let me say that with this issue, no child is safe regardless of economics.  The predators in fact gather in supposed family friendly areas to get access to their victims-  i.e. parks, schools, churches, etc.  I have become increasingly concerned on what we can do as a society to deal with such a heinous problem.  I believe that most agree that jail is no treatment or solution.  This is a serious illness that has to be dealt with by psychiatric professionals and legislators.  Perhaps, they should never be allowed to function freely in our society.  All I know is that when I hear of another victimized  child,  I get so sick and feel so guilty for not getting involved with some organization whose goal is to save and protect our children.  I just don't want to sit idly by anymore.  

Renee Strausser (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:59 PM)

This show has value. Although I protect my children from some of the details, I will call them over from time to time when the show is on and say this is a bad guy, that is a bad guy. I tell them "You never know what they'll look like. Some are young, some are old, some are handsome, some are ugly, but all are bad. You can't trust someone by what they look like." It is sad that our kids have to worry about these horrible people. Thank  you for preventing some true pain by continuing your program. Please continue your work.

Gayle R. (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:00 PM)

I just want to say "amen!" to "concerned mom. You can't rehibilitate them and our kids too wonderful to chance it by giving perverts a second chance.

concerned mom too! (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:04 PM)

These predators have always been out there. This show should also highlight that it is the parents of these children who have the responsibilty to insure their children are aware of the dangers in using the internet and talking with strangers. I had to continually supervise my children's internet usage and remind them that who they talk to on-line are strangers and could be making everything up.  

MB, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:05 PM)

as a 60 year old male who has no criminal record (not that would convince you), has never had sex with a minor (not even when a minor) and who has zero interest in women not over 35, I still say you people are hypocrites. The age of consent is 14 in many countries and should be here today. Why don't you go after the real pedophiles? The ones who prey on pre pubscent kids. If you think 14 doesn't know what they are doing today and think they're not having sex you're idiots. But hey, it's all about the ratings isn't it and you got yourself a gold mine you're milking to the nth degree.

ronald myers, los angeles, california (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:10 PM)

I feel as though they do need treatment. Sex addicts are people who do not need to be punished by do need help. And since our society is so bent on sex it is sometimes difficult, in my opinion, for these perverted men to stray away from these young, barely por hardly legal young girls. I think that chris Hansen not only needs to do a show on how to catch a predator, but also a show teaching and informing not only parents but young teens about what to look for when your chatting with someone on line. And a more clearer message to parents about these teens web pages. I cant tell you how many myspace pages I ahve seen with girls not even 18 showing everything that would attract a predator. It needs to go both ways with this investigation. There are young girls out there that do get lured by perverted older men. Please do a special with helping families keep a watchful eye and control over thier teens.

Alexandria, Silver Spring, MD (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:11 PM)

I love watching to catch a predator.  I think it's hilarious to watch them get busted on national tv that has to be soooo embarrassing.  I do think that convicted sex offenders should have longer jail sentences though.

Andrea Springfield, IL (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:12 PM)

Heck, why not "micro-chip" jaywalkers too.  That way they won't endanger their own lives, crossing the street incorrectly.  Besides, I think iron bars are a better deterrent than a 1cm square silicon chip.

Dan, Fairmont WV (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:12 PM)

This show proves that the word "Unbelievable" is no longer valid.  This makes you belive that anything is possible and everyone is suspect.  PEOPLE!!  Protect your children!

Jim Doe, Bowie, Maryland (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:18 PM)

Entrapment?  If it were a real teenage girl, it would be okay?  It's just the roll of the dice for THEM that it's not a teenage girl/boy.  They are trolling for young kids....ON PURPOSE.  The cops don't put out flyers enticing them to go to web sites looking for these kids.  It's ATTEMPT that gets them snagged not intent.  Other criminal offenses are procecuted harder for "intent to harm" than accidental causes.  Intent is important.  And it's about prevention as well.  I would certainly prefer someone prevent my child from an attack rather than punish them after the fact.  An ounce of prevention....

Kimberly C., Nashville, TN (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:29 PM)

Miss Doe, La - The person in TX broke Texas law.  That is why the police (not To Catch A Predator) got a warrent for his arrest.  You breake the law you pay the price.  

It does not matter if this guys first victim was "forced" or not.  Having sex with a 14 yr old is illegal.  A 14 year old is still a child and not capable of consenting.

This is not entrapment.  The Preverted Justice people do not soliciate contact.  The predator contacts them first.  All you have to do is go into a chat room for a couple of minutes and you have all kinds of people soliciting sex.  It doesn't matter what kind of chat room you are in.

They have said before that a "couple" contacted them once, but when the predator showed up it was just the man.  The program does not target men or women.  The online profiles are both young men and women and these predators initiate contact with them.  The reason we have not yet seen a woman is one has not shown up yet.

I think that this show is a service to the public.  Those that don't like it either don't really understand the dangers children face today or are afraid of getting caught.

Stacy Krueger, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:31 PM)

Brandon, it doesn't matter is she was "forced" or not.  She was fourteen.  She could have been standing on the corner naked, and it wouldn't make it legal.

Kevin, St. Louis, MO (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:36 PM)

Chris,  

I have watched a few episodes of your show and there seems to be a constant with most of your "suspects".  They almost always say, when confronted, that all they wanted to do was talk to the teen.  Now I know there is a huge element of danger involved but is there a way to bring these perverts closer to the act and then pounce on them?  Then they won't even come close to using the perverbial excuse of "I just wanted to talk".

joneil (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:43 PM)

 Keep up the good work, more people are becoming aware of the "problem" just by seeing your show. Too many have just been sticking their heads in the sand.Shame on Texas, pray that none of their children are hurt by one of those who were released and probably gloating about it. As a nurse I can only say their is no "help" for these people, if casteration is the "cure", trust me they will find a awfull way to get their sexual gratifacation and it would be much uglier.   Karen Kansas

karen dyer holcomb, kansas (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:52 PM)

"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."

I despise sexual predators as well, and believe current penalties are too mild, but I think this show robs the men of the possibility that they might think better of their choice at the last minute, and decide not to commit the crime.  Judging from what I've seen, the way the show is set up, that final opportunity is taken from them.

Yashmak (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 6:00 PM)

Miss Doe:
Dateline does NOT go to the persons house. They rent a home, rig it with cameras, and then wait for them to show up. THEM being the guys who held a sexual conversation with someone who made a point of letting them know that they were under-age.

Ian Arkansas:
Glad you pointed out that you have never seen this series. Its not entrapment when the pervert iniates the conversation. If you honestly feel strongly enough to post here with your opinion, maybe you should head over to Perverted Justice and actually read the various chatlogs. The definition of entrapment states that law enforcement must convince an UNWILLING person to commit a crime. By reading the chat logs, it's clear that the perv had every intention of committing these acts. The police are simply giving him the rope to hang himself.

Chris, Yucaipa, CA (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 6:00 PM)

The first rule of society is to protect our children. Thanks for a wonderful show, and highlighting the terrible issue of these predatory pervs.  I say banish them from our wonderful country as they are untreatable - they are warped, and they only destroy innocent lives.  Shame on them!  Thank you Dateline

Kurt, Okemos, MI (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 6:36 PM)

Note to Victor...  Dateline is not parading attractive, young ladies in front of these pervs...  The predators are themselves entering chat rooms intended for young audiences.  They are the ones out cruising for victims.  This is SO NOT ENTRAPMENT.  Throw the book at em!

Kurt, Okemos, MI (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 6:39 PM)

I know this message is going to be misinterpreted but I'm going to say this anyway... I am not protecting anyone but not every registered sex offender is a predator.  Keep in mind that people who are convicted of soliciting a prostitute are labeled as sex offenders so every sex offender is not a monstrous child molester.  I am a sex offender therapist and the recidivism rate at my office is .07%.  There are ways to help these people.  It just takes a very long time.  

PO, Atlanta, Georgia (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 6:58 PM)

Your show is trash,  exploitive and ratings driven and therefore has nothing to do with public service

Tom (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 6:59 PM)

These people make me sick, they cannot be fixed, they cannot be treated, they do not have a cold.  They have a disease where they  view children as prey, if wild animals did this we as a community would not tolerate it, why do we constantly allow violent predators back out into the community to reoffend, and than wonder why they do so.  There prey is young children there is never a shortage of innocent children.  To many people do not know how many people slip through the justice system, and judges rule that they are not "bad" enough and do not have to report to anyone once they get out of jail for the sickening two years or whatever for there horrifying act..this show I hope reaches some of these judges and lawmakers, and opens some eyes.  Keep up the good work.

Toshia, Elizabethtown, Pa (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 7:06 PM)

Just out of curiosity, what's the difference between entrapment and what's going on here? Obviously these people need to be kept from causing harm to people, and obviously some of them have serious mental problems...

La Duchesse, Sheptown, WV (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 7:12 PM)

FOCUS ON WOMEN AND MEN.. Its not as prevalent but hell look at the teachers and what some of them are doing to our kids!

Roger Duncan (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 7:23 PM)

i agree with victor,you hold a carrot in front of a mule,it will eat it or try to,as well if you go out in the road and place a bank bag full of money,nine out of ten supposedly honest,law abiding citizens,would look left then right then pack the money home and never say a word.....doesnt take a genius to see that what you all do is shady at best and maybe to prevent all this crap, the parents should be hauled to court and charged with child neglect or endangerment for allowing the children access to chat rooms on the internet,where the primary topic of discussion is sexual in nature......get a clue folks,anyone can do what you all do,it seems you people are no better than the predators you set up in my opinion.....dont get me wrong..in no way shape or form do i think child rape or molestation is ok,its not,but for as many times as ive seen the to catch a predator circus you call a show,ive never seen a child in any danger what so ever.....its just weak entertainment at best

john doe,seattle, wa. (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 7:32 PM)

Ian from Arkansas, right there with you. It would be nice if the alleged predators (until they're convicted anyway) were never born, or could be made to disappear without causing pain to anyone anywhere. But that's not possible, so law enforcement and the criminal system must take every and all actions legally available to them in the face of a crime which is very difficult to rehabilitate. Recidivism is a huge with this type of crime, I believe that's been pretty well established by data (can't document where, but I'm pretty sure that's the case).

But to get after these people on TV so that everyone can all have something to hate unremittingly evokes the old Bread & Circus. It's barbarism which gets ratings and sells airtime. And please don't tell me it's because the acts in question are equally barbarous; the benchmark for a rational and civil society can't possibly be the acts of such a person.

I think we have too many channels...

Jason, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 7:32 PM)

sorry, I just don't think MSNBC should be involved in catching criminals of ANY kind.  I feel like what MSNBC is doing is entrapment, and I'm suprised the show is still on the air.  Catching sex offenders should be a job for the police.  MSNBC is putting everyone on the "set" in danger (including their teenage "bait").  Maybe we should focus more on raising our children better so that they don't become stupid teenagers that invite 40 year old men to their house for sexual reasons.  

Jeff, San Diego, CA (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 7:39 PM)

WOW! Judge before you be judged. And how many other people with various sicknesses shall we lock up forever? Those with cancer? AIDS? Diabetes? Schizophrenia? Ad infinitum . . . This is definitely a middle-ages approach to a real problem. Jail is not the solution for the sickness. Long term psychiatric treatment is needed here. Jail/punishment is the answer for the criminal offense.
Drug use is criminal. It is also recognized as a sickness in that it is an addiction. Same with alcohlism. Shall we permanently lock up drunk drivers and drug addicts since they are repeat offenders? Why not have them register as substance offenders? I have a right to know who in my area is a threat to me on the roads while I'm driving.
We are a "civilized" society. We cannot have adults luring children into dangerous situations. But if we are truly "civilized," instead of a barbaric approach, we can certainly rise to the higher state of our humanity and offer help to those with this kind of "addiction." We are no better than any offender if we want a barbaric approach. This used to be the approach with all with mental illness--until we rose to a better level of humanity and began treating the mentally ill.  

B. W. Washington DC (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 7:39 PM)

I think your show is doing a great service...I shall be watching again tonight.  I agree with what Shirley Jackson said...these predators are broken and can't be fixed.  Normal men, or women, don't go into underage chat rooms looking for sex.  They know there isn't anyone there their age and the only name for them is pedifiles.  They are not interested in anyone their own age.  I do not agree with the man's comments just before me...that you're messing with men's general sex drives...normal men desire adults to have sex with unless they are sick! Keep up the good work.

Nancy-Jean Cusanelli Claremont, NH (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 7:41 PM)

Ian and Victor.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  Entrapment?  "Human Nature" is what it is.  Apart from "Human Nature" we are talking about a simple decision between Right and Wrong.  There is something wrong with people who think that it's OK to have on-line conversations with CHILDREN and then agree to meet them in person.  I live a few miles up the coast from the NJ house with my three young children.  My only regret is that they couldn't run the operation longer and catch more of these sick individuals. Great job Dateline.  Keep up the good work!!!!

Mom of Three NJ (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 7:54 PM)

Victor, you are clueless.  Humans have needs, but we also have choices.

Your comments lead me to believe YOU are a predator.  What part of THESE MEN ARE MAKING THE INTIAL CONTACT WITH THE DECOYS do you not understand.

I cannot believe you think Dateline is messing w/human nature.  

It is NOT human nature to want to molest children.

Wow, I feel for any children near you.

ForShame, Seattle, WA (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 8:48 PM)

If individuals think that what Dateline is doing is entrapment then they should think again. If the individuals who are supposedly entrapped were not performing this illegal activity to begin with, which occurs when they first solicit an underage individual, then maybe you'd have a sustainable argument. These individuals are a disgrace and I think the work that Dateline is doing is excellent in highlighting just how perverse these individuals are. There are too many instances of abduction that cause us to look back and wonder what the signs were that parents should have detected or seen. Well now you know...and this is because Dateline is keeping it visible so parents can be better informed.

Derek, Portland, OR (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 9:08 PM)

I'm so very happy to see this 2 part series. As a single parent of one child, I am always looking out for my child. Please keep up this type of information. All I ever hear is that these guys can be 'Transformed' into good decent people after medication and therapy. Sorry, you are wrong. I have been the victim. The person has received therapy and drugs. Guess what?! He is still out there preying on children. Go Figure!!!

Lor, Toronto, Canada (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:32 PM)

Chris, you're entraping people!  What do you expect.  What I find truly shocking about the show is not the sad, lonely men, but the fact that you're ruining lives.  You've sunk as low if certainly not lower than the men you're showcasing.

glenn (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:54 PM)

This series / project is absolutely the most incredible stories highlighted.  With all the other relatively stupid news that gets reported on all networks, this is something that all we can hope becomes permanently ingrained in thier minds as well as every child.

Thanks for the obvious hard work on all journalists and law enforcement agencies involved, please keep up the great information.

Sean P. Clarke, Brick NJ (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 11:15 PM)

I don't know where to start but by saying thank you to Chris and dateline. This is just a wake up call to all parents. i live next to one of the predators caught in Ocean County NJ and my children played with his kids and i had no idea he seemed like just a normal neighbor we had dinner together, many conversations and still i had no idea.Parents please watch you children in your neighborhood and on the computer.You might think it's safe but it's not!

NOT SAFE in Ocean County NJ (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 12:55 AM)

I'm right with MW, Charleston SC in regards to placing a micro chip into the predators of our society that are harming innocent lives, and more.  Let them do hard labor/dirty work for their prison time as well.  It would save our country billions to pay others to do it.  Most of all...keep up the stellar job, Chris Hansen and Dateline NBC!

DL, Pleasanton, CA (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 2:25 AM)

Well. The show just ended. What are we going to have to do now, Keep the internet away from these people? It's hard to believe that a 60 year old grandfather did not know what he was doing.As for the man on probation he really needs to learn another way that he is not normal. What do we have to do to these guys to get it through to them that its NOT O.K. for them to even think about doing Anything with a minor. We need stronger penalties. No second chances.

Heather M. Raymond,Ca (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 2:37 AM)

Hey Mr. Hansen. I have to give you credit. It would be VERY hard not to become irate. I'm sure it is not easy to stay so calm but you are a real pro. From a mother I say THANK YOU.

Heather M. Raymond,Ca (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 2:45 AM)

I agree with Victor No.  Dateline is giving some of these guys false opportunity where there was none.  Like that one Asian guy named Shin (likely, Korean).  He said he is a lonely guy, doesn't do well with the ladies (although he doesn't look abnormal or anything).  I mean, if Dateline didn't do this, would he have had this opportunity?  I'm sure there would have been a lot of deviant cyberstuff, but Dateline created this.  Now for the rest of the male population who didn't go to the house of someone they met in a chat or myspace, well, back to cyberporn for you.  Yes, doing the act is despicable, but I really have issues with the holier than thou who probably like watching deviant stuff on the internet and cable just the same.  

Honolulu, HI (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 4:35 AM)

I grew up with Candid Camera, and this brings things to a whole new level. Bravo to Chris Hansen for his brave work on this, ID fraud, and so forth. In an era of media and the Internet, we need creative new solutions to catch all forms of next generation predators of all types. Chris and his crew are on the front lines of some interesting new concepts. I must ademit i was at first skeptical about whether or not they were taking the law into their own hands, but to be frank, someone needs to get this out there  and maybe the viewer that suggested a 24-hour cable channel devoted to law eforcement are close to the truth. Pioneers like John Walsh and America's Most Wanted started the ball rolling and the Dateline crew are expanding this into other areas. Go for it. The identify theft issue, is particularly scary since the era of the internet has made this a global issue where criminals can get to us from far flung places and can't be touched. another issue entirely!

C. M.Olson (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 9:26 AM)

Someone really should check out the people that think that this is entrapment. If you have children how could you not want something like this to protect them unless they are doing this themselves. It really scares me for my grandchildren that people are out there doing this to our children. You are only catching the stupid ones. What about all of the ones that are too smart to go to the houses? As far as the incident in Texas: I wish you would come to my city and get some of these preditors off of the street. The man would not have killed himself if he were not guilty and ashamed of what he had done.

Dace Martin, Longview , Texas (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 11:53 AM)

I THINK THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY PERVERTS AROUND PERIOD.AN APARTMENT BUILDING ACROSS THE STREET FROM ME AND ABOUT 2 BLOCKS FROM AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL,JUST STARTED A HALF WAY HOUSE AND GUESS HOW MANY OF THEIR TENANTS ARE REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS?12 OUT OF 20.WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS NONSENSE.IM SORRY BUT THERE ARE TOO MANY HOES ON THE STREET THAT WE HAVE TO EXPLOIT OUR CHILDREN.

TY, INGLEWOOD CA (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 11:55 AM)



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