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Do potential predators ever think they’ll get caught?

Posted: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 8:50 PM by Dateline Editor
Filed Under: ,

By Chris Hansen, Dateline Correspondent

The fireman
Tonight we’re back in Ocean County, N.J., for the second part of our "To Catch A Predator" investigation. Among the first men you’ll meet here is a guy who uses new ruse to convince a 14-year-old girl named Jane to let him come over to her family’s house and have sex. Jane is really a decoy from Perverted Justice.

In his online chat 42-year old Rick Burnham pretends to be a 21-year-old college student going by the screen name "uconnbluenwhite". Then he introduces "Jane" to his older friend "stevetakespix" who supposed to be a real cool guy who just happens to be interested in taking the virginity of a 14-year-old.

We think what he’s trying to do is not scare off the young teen by giving his real age in the beginning of the chat. As you watch Burnham walk into our hidden camera house, he’s just driven three hours from Connecticut. Watch as it appears he want to get right down to business. He chats with Casey, our decoy, for a bit and when she excuses herself to go to the next room, he’s right behind her. As I walk out to talk to him, we almost bump into each other.

That’s when I see something sticking out of his back pocket. When I ask him what it is, he says it’s his cell phone. I know it’s not a cell phone so I say: "No. The other back pocket." As you’re about to see, the item he pulls out leaves little doubt about his intent. Burnham, by the way, is retired fire department captain who says he’s now a freelance photographer.

Grooming technique
We’re about to see another man who makes himself comfortable on the beach of our multi-million dollar home on the ocean. James Marcott, 32, doesn’t seem one bit nervous as his sits down to talk to our decoy posing as a 13-year-old girl. Perhaps he has experience talking to teenagers.

In his on line chat he told the decoy that he had earlier met a 15-year-old girl online. Watch now as he tells Casey that not only did he met her, he also had sex with her. When I talk to Marcott, he changes his story, saying he never had sex with a 15-year-old. Why would someone say this online?

Experts tell us it’s a common grooming technique used by potential predators. Almost as if to say: "It’s ok. Other kids you age have already done this." But in this case it’s going to be another lead to be followed up on by detectives with the Ocean County Prosecutors Office.

Everyday guys
Once again, we see just how many of the guys who surface in our investigations look like everyday guys who don’t stand out of a crowd. If you live in Pennsylvania, you might have even purchased a car from one of our next visitors.

When we meet 39-year old Jeremy Keister he has a job selling luxury cars. Watch as Keister walks into our home. Something spooks him right away. He almost freezes. I think it may have been when Casey offered him some brownies that something clicked and he maybe realizes he’s just walked into a "To Catch A Predator" investigation. All doubt is removed when he admits he knows exactly who I am. He even says: "It’s nice to meet you."

Head first
You may have seen last week’s preview to tonight’s show, where we showed video of one of our visitors who went head first into the bar in the family room of our hidden camera house. People have been asking me about it all week. Tonight, you’ll see the whole story.

The man I’m talking about is 37-year-old Kazuo Akustso. When we meet him he’s a shirt-and-tie salesman at a major Manhattan department store. I have seen a lot during the three years we’ve been doing these investigations, but nothing quite like this. Kazuo walks in, chats with our decoy Casey, and then I walk out. What you don’t see on camera is that the color literally drains from his face.

I can’t be sure that he knew who I was or what he has just walked into, but he knows it’s not good. He goes down on his knees, gets back up and then apparently faints, crashing head-first into the bar. A medic comes in to check him out. Later police say he’s OK.

What were they thinking?
As we finish up in New Jersey, consider this: nearly half of the 28 men who surfaced in this investigation had seen one of our earlier investigations. What does that say to me? Some people have suggested that some of these guys want to get caught, perhaps maybe even want to be on our show. Possibly, but I still think most of these guys just really don’t think it could happen to them.

Click here for the script to "To Catch a Predator" New Jersey

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Comments

I am so glad you are doing this. I was a victim from my natural father from the time I was 3 til I was 17. So when I see these pigs I think the best part is when they get tackled by the police. You see, Chris, I'm now 63 and I did not grow up in the time of instant communication. I remember seeing him touching my girlfriends and being mortified. I couldn't imagine what he would have done with access to computers.

JJ, Flagler Beach, Florida (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:15 PM)

Personally, think this show is helping predators think twice before they "show-up"  Sure you are not checking them all, but you are making a difference.  The suicide was not your fault, that was the guilt of the person getting caught because of his level of community service..... It is sad though for the family, they did not know....

Emily, DFW Texas (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:24 PM)

You're so pompous -- judge & jury.  I don't know any 24 year old red blooded male who would resist an enticing invitation by a 14 year old girl.  Give me a break.  You're ruining these men's lives and you should find something more useful to do with your time & energy.

Cathy, New York (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:30 PM)

"To Catch a Predator" is one of the best crime fighting tools police have to, catch a predator. NBC and Chris Hansen KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! I love it!

Chief of Police Chad Steffen, Morton, MN (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:33 PM)

I really like watching these shows but sometimes i wonder if this show is a entrapment. However on the other hand someone needed to do something like this to help stop people that does take advantage of children I would love to help with something like this. I also and beginning to wonder if some of these people are only show up just to be on dateline. What has made me come to that conclusion is because some of them talk a lot about this show when they get caught that raises flags for me. Also it is sad that they hurt their character and in addition, they go to jail and get a criminal record it is sad that some of them do this just for a few minutes of fame to be on television

Roxanne Mays Parkersburg WV (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:37 PM)

As a father of two young children I find these shows deeply disturbing.  As some may view this series as "good tv", I still appreciate the light that you are shedding on this subject.  I shudder at the thought of how much of this goes on on a daily basis without being acknowledged.  People from all walks of life have proven time & time again that this is a serious problem by showing up at your investigations.  Unfortunately some have arrived at multiple locations & several others have seen your broadcasts but are still compelled to hurt these children.  Please keep up the hard work and maybe someday we won't have to worry so much about the danger of sexual predators (although I find that highly unlikely).

Josh Schmutz, Joplin, MO (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:39 PM)

what a fucking piece of crap u r doing, my god!, ok using a decoy to catch a sexual predator uh? pffft! hat a crap, if the so called "minors" (decoys) are not a minors, then where the fuck is the problem? there is no illegal, and plus they do nothing, there is no sex!!, and that means no violation of the rights!!, r u really that stupid people? pffft!, i mean, im not saying people that DO have sex with a minor  shouldnt be punished, all im saying is that there is no crime there! how can u put a guy (cause i have only seen guys on the show, no famale pretadors, and there are tons) when he does not have commited a crime!, anyway, its your call, i dont care, lets just hope u dont get sued for doing that

waetsu, noyb, noyb (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:39 PM)

please give them the death penalty. i think this people never change. I have 2 kids scared me to death if my childs meet this perverts, Iam extra care when they meet new people in a car shop, waiter,my neighbor, my husband coworkers etc..
thank you dateline please i hope you can be in austin or el paso texas. thanks for care for the innocent humans beings(childres). Iam alert of this "innocent,normal" people are around my kids.
what about when the predator is around 8-12 how i can protect my kids from them.
thank you so much and god bless you.

nancy clark austin texas (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:50 PM)

CHRIS YOU ARE MY IDOL WHEN CAN WE MEET UP COME TO ILLINOIS NEXT

Alexx Bant (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:51 PM)

Keep doing this, Chris. It's necessary to highlight thie HUGE problem we have with our society. I was especially thankful and grateful that you came here, to New Jersey. Hopefully some of the parents of children here will now take this more seriously. I say that as a teacher who has faced the, "Oh no, not in my little town" adversity. Thanks again Chris.

Amie (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 11:05 PM)

I have watched all the preditor, id theft and the rest of Chris Hanson's shows.  I want to personally thank him for constant professional reporting on all these subjects.  Chris - "YOU ARE THE BEST"

Mark L. (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 11:06 PM)

Thank you soo much for doing this show. I have two young girls, and I am petrified of what is out there, and more so what can be brought into my livingroom. Parents everywhere should be aware of these kinds of dangers to their children. God bless you for showing this and catching a few of the predators out there. I have been watching this series, and it scares me more every time I see it. I will continue to watch your show and support your efforts 100%. Thank you.

Sandy Powers, Sulphur Springs, TX (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 11:14 PM)

It amazes me that the number of people caught aren't decreasing, and it amazes me more that parents aren't monitoring their kids closer.  I work with computers for a living, and use the Internet every day.  But it scares me for kids, because of the anonymity the internet provides.  Kids want to experience life but aren't equipped to deal with adult issues.  Yet, in a lot of cases the kids are allowed to roam free on the Internet I suppose because people think their kids are safe at home.  These adults should pay a higher price for attempting, or in many cases actually taking advantage of children.  Registering them on a web site isn't enough.  Fines do nothing to deter their behavior, and do nothing for the victims.  I wish I could offer what the penalty should be, but the only thing that comes to my mind is an ultimately permanent solution.  Parents also have to take responsibility for teaching their kids about the dangers of the Internet and should be monitoring their activity.  It isn't going to be a fix for all, but it will help and is definitely a start.

Robert Doucet, Ledbetter, KY (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 11:15 PM)

It is encouraging to see other cities/states taking your research and data seriously.  I have been seriously disappointed with the results from the Murphy, TX, sting.  It is apparent that there is quality investigation going into this operation, and personally, I would be happy to see the sting come to my town.  It is important to identify and keep these predators off of the streets. These days, it is too easy to say "not in my back yard," but I truly appreciate the work that you are doing. Keep it up!

Amy Battle, Lewisville, TX (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 11:17 PM)

Dear Chris Hansen;
It is amazing and in the same time stunning, no matter how much your dateline nbc has aired ( how to catch a predator) did not make a difference nor a change into todays society.
The question is :
Who is responsible ?
First question that comes to my mind:
What are the steps taken to protect teens form preadtors?
Answer: does background chek is necessary to make it happen.
Well I think it is the responsibility of the web provider to provide some type of security measures to help

mrosfi (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 11:30 PM)

Please, enough of the preditor stories! The language during the online chats are offensive. Catch the guys please but stop showing the chats on television.

Michelle galion, ohio (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 11:36 PM)

I have watched every episode of 'To Catch a Predator' and still everytime I get amazed. These people seem to never learn from their mistakes, especially the man who got caught with the 14 year old previously! You talk about grooming, and its like they have become pros at learning how to trick children. It is disgusting. These people need help, and as it talks about many times in the book To Catch a Predator, there needs to be places around the country where people can get help without it being looked at so badly. These people have problems, and I'd rather them get help now then just keep going around and doing this to young children.

Megan Morr, Fort Wayne, Indiana (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 11:42 PM)

This is the most appalling television show I have ever watched.  My husband and I are in utter disbelief at your lack of taste and scruples.

You don't "expose" predators, you create them.  It's total entrapment and public humiliation of people who have yet to be tried and convicted of a crime.  And you do this in the guise of entertainment??  Or is it to appeal to the prurient interests of precisely the kinds of people you set up.  Notice how many watched the show? The talk of sex and condoms is disgusting.  The topic is disgusting.  So why do you want to bring it into our homes?

I hope Patricia Conradt wins her lawsuit.  You are worse than the alleged predators.  Shame, shame, shame on NBC.

Lisa Buck, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 11:55 PM)

Why don't you people leave catching predators to the police? These predators deserve to be caught, but these people do not deserve to have their lives ruined by NBC or Chris Hansen...You should all be ashamed of yourselves. Your show is not journalism it is disgusting trash.

Simon DeJong (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 12:25 AM)

I enjoy watgching your show on the predators. I am concerned that it seems there is a rise in the number of "predators" croping up in this country. My wife and I regularly visit the New Mexico sex offender web site. I was hoping that you could one day do a predator story here in the "Land of Enchantment" New Mexico. I hope you can.

Perry Chase, Carlsbad New Mexico (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 12:27 AM)

I have said it before and I will say it again. This series is past amazing. Why won't these idiots settle for someone above the age of consent? These losers should be sent to Iraq for a two year tour of duty.

Charles Novak (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 1:06 AM)

this is just a comment i think you put people life in a very bad shape putting then in jail chating is a private thing two people who are in the right mind its there will,

jayson matt, phil, (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 1:36 AM)

Chris,
Your show has been on for some time now, I would think it would have the effect of discouraging this type of behavior.  I thought that was one of the intentions of broadcasting it, but more and more I see predators who keep coming even though they  themselves have seen your show.  What will it take to curb their behavior?

G. A. Rose, Sacramento, CA (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 1:42 AM)

I am so happy to hear that your back onto these people, I am a dad of a 13 month old daughter, and no matter how many times I watch your program, it amazes me of the amount of people that you have been able to catch. As I said, I am a father of a little princess, she is my whole world, and after I watched your program, I researched the amount of sex affenders in my area, and it was overwhelming. I live in an Oil driven town in Lea County New Mexico, and a registered sex affender lives less than 10 miles from my house. If anything were to happen to my wife or god forbid my baby, I would probably be in jail after I caught up with the person. So thank you for all you do to keep these people from hurting any child, and ravishing a family. Thank you NBC. Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith, Hobbs, New Mexico (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 1:48 AM)

Hi Chris,
Your episodes are a real eye opener. My 14yr old  went online last week, while at her friends house, and chatted with a 35yr old bartender. He went to meet her and her friend at 2am. When I found out the next day what had happened I was beside myself. I tried to file a report with the sheriff's dept and they said that because he didn't try anything, there was nothing I could do. I'm still so very frustrated about it. It's as if she has to be harmed before anyone will listen. Thank you for the work you do. If you have any suggestions for me at all, please let me know. God bless you.

Laura, Lemon Grove, CA (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 2:18 AM)

I am not interested in you publishing this but i just wanted to say thanks for doing the show.

I am a father of 3 kids. Two of the three are girls and my oldest child (girl) will be a teen in a few years.  It is scary how many people showed up in your shows and my wife and i were thinking what is really scary is how many times the people who were caught on the show had committed this act and were not caught until they appeared on the show.

The other thing that I wonder and am scared to find out is how many preditors out there have committed these acts and the victim was too scared to say anything about it.

Please continue to do shows of this nature!!!

Rob Kniep, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 2:19 AM)

As a concerned average father that just watched your show with my 13 year old daughter, in our discussion, we'd like to see the flip side..meaning the girls that are contacting these guys and not your decoy.  I believe that the "girls" that are contacting these guys are the ones that should be "stung".  I believe that there are no such girls.  I need you to prove that theory to me and to my 13 year old.  I don't believe that our today's youth are that "stupid"...prove me wrong!  After seeing so many episodes of your show, it's boring enough to lose viewers.  if you take my advice, you'll improve your show because we'll get to see more computer bashing, other than, I don't think you'll have a show!

Daniel Baughman, Gardena, CA (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 2:31 AM)

Being a mother of a 12 year old girl, I want to take this moment to say Thank You for taking those people off the streets. Im glad someone has taken the time to make people realize what is truely happening to our children. Thank You So Much!!!

Bettie Lakewood, Washington (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 2:38 AM)

I am really glad this particular series started, I have a 12 yr old daughter, she lives with her father and has an older sibling in the home who has raging hormones. When my daughter comes to see me, I play your shows to her and talk about them throughout the show. It is so critical that young children understand, not just about sex, but about potentially ill people who can cause such damage in thier young lives. I cannot believe what some of these men use as an excuse for doing what they do, not to mention the fact that this show has been on for quite some time and a good majority of them don't know who Chris Hansen is. I am so for this show, and express my feelings to this so deeply, I have had some mixed reactions, and this baffles me. Anyone who even makes the slightest desire to be with a child, they deserve being in the public eye! I have no sympathy for them! The people who dislike your show are just as much of a degenerate as the pedophiles. The Texas show really upset me, the townspeople were against it when they should have been so for it. Yes, the predators were in thier town, and made known, but they are there anyway and they don't know who they are, now they know. I wish you would do this in my state. I am a true fan. THANK YOU!!!!

Carrie Jennings, Woonsocket RI (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 2:39 AM)

Dear Chris Hansen:
I was watching you story about "To Catch A Predator". But , I was Just wondering, if you have caught a female predator in your investigation?

Rialto (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 2:54 AM)

I HAVE WATCHED "TO CATCH A PREDATOR" LATELY AND I'VE ASKED MY SELF A QUESTION, "WHERE ARE THE WOMAN PREDATORS?". I'VE HEARD OF WOMAN WHO HAVE TRIED OR HAVE RAPED CHILDREN OR TEENAGERS. AND I THINK THAT YOU SHOULD BE AFTER THEM TO. I HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE WITH ONE WHEN I WAS SMALL AND I WOULD NOT LIKE ANYBODY TO HAVE ONE LIKE THAT.

LAURA, LIBERAL, KANSAS (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 3:56 AM)

I wached the show last night and found it interesting. Viewers may be interested to know that in Canada these "Predators" would not be criminals for engaging in sex acts with a 14 year old girl, as that is the age of consent in our country. One thing that may not destroy the lives of the men, is after they have engaged in the chats, intervene before they try to meet girls. Show up at their houses and help them in getting treatment for their misplaced sexual urges. This will not make for sensational TV, but it will allow these men the opportunity for a second chance at life. We are all products of our environment and genetics.  These men were once little boys too.  They are someones son. Maybe they were sexually abused as children, leading to this type of predilection.  The point of these excercises should be to make them think about the consequences of their actions before they really ruin peoples lives. New Jersey law must be pretty Orwellian for these men to be charged with "thought crimes".  And why give them the "opportunity to just walk out the door" to be arrested?

anonymous, Thunder Bay, Ontario (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 4:25 AM)

Chris Hansen
You are the best thing that happened to teenagers of
today and the internet  To catch a predator is a great
wake up call for all parents and teens
Keep up the great work

Kim Roseville MI (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 7:20 AM)

Okay, we know they are out there, but the question
is...how do we make it clear this is unacceptable
behavior in the US?  Fast and speedy process of law
and harsh sentencing and perhaps, hmmmm, how about what is presented on our televisions and computers
these days...It is time someone do something!

Elizabeth Frank Cincinnati Ohio (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 9:47 AM)

To be honest I haven't watched this show a whole lot in the past, but overall I think you are doing a good job.  The show is definitely based on "good intentions." Getting potential child predators off the streets.  However, I often find myself feeling sorry for some of the guys who get caught.  They are usually divorcees or lonely guys who need a little female attention and lack self confidence in dating women closer to their age.  Don't you think this show borderlines on entrapment?  Without potential predators you wouldn't have a show.  Also what about the potential predators families' and friends and they will probably lose their jobs.  We're talking about a lot of lives ruined.  Basically these guys are doing probably what a lot of other men would do...have sex with a underage girl if they think they could get away with it.  Again I praise your show as good entertainment, but it definitely has it's flaws.  I guess I will stay tuned for more and see what happens this time.

Marcel Harris, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 10:47 AM)

To Whom It May Concern:

The purpose of this message is to applaud the work done by Chris Hansen and the entire Dateline crew.  The broadcast brilliantly discerns the difference between sensationalism ‘yellow’ journalism and groundbreaking television.  The benefits of this program are literally immeasurable, for there is no accurate gauge on how many predators have been deterred by this show.  Last night’s broadcast was both smart and poignant, while simultaneously being entertaining to the viewer.  Chris Hansen condemning the one predator with the phrase “this is a good news, bad news situation” was sheer hilarity.  My one question is do you think Internet predators are a recent phenomena, or has our society finally exposed a serious problem?    As an individual who works with public officials, I understand these messages go through a variety of filter and may never reach their intended reader.  Keeping that in mind, I would greatly appreciate if you could pass along the following message to the crew.  

Keep up the great work, the show is literally making the world a better place!  Thank you for your time.  Have a great day.

Jeremy Gatens, Harrisburg, PA (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 12:59 PM)

Hi Chris Hansen Will Catch a preditor do a show in the midwest or deep south in the future? That is the middle section of the United States From the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico.

Larry Elifritz (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 1:26 PM)

I absolutely love this show.  I am a single mom and I really appreciate the work you guys are doing.  Now if we can only get the laws to change to lock
these losers up for life.  You are great and I hope you guys continue to do these shows.  There are a lot of sick people in the world and I'm glad you guys are catching some of them.  Please keep this show going. It helps the world.  It really does.  Thank you!

Simon, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 1:33 PM)

I see this type of behavior everyday.  I am a Parole Officer for the State of WV and I assist in the state mandated sex offender counseling that is required of parolees as a condition of their release on parole. I believe that this is a compulsion that most of the offenders are unable to separate into right and wrong, therefore they cannot understand the consequenses that surround this type of behavior.  As we witnessed last night a gentleman claims he consulted his lawyer about meeting a young girl and even after being told that his actions would be illegal he still went to meet the young girl.  This demonstrates a severe lack in ability to determine that actions such as these are considered an injustice.  Most of these offenders have already justified their actions by believing that the minor victim deserves a better lover or that the victim asked for it.  These people lack any sort of moral fortitude and they justify their actions by placing blame on the victim.  I believe that most of these individuals suffer from psychopathic symptoms and grandiose delusions.  On the other hand I have noticed that some of these offenders may commit these crimes just to be seen on national TV.  I believe that more investigations need to be done like this, at least it will prevent some of these offenders from committing these acts while they are engaged in the on-line encounter with a decoy or in custody as a result of the investigation.  However, this type of crime will never stop or even begin to slow down until harsher sentences are handed down that does not include sentencing outside of incarceration and the parole boards stop granting parole to sex offenders the first time they are eligible for parole.  Longer sentences are the only way to stop some of these people and they will only stop while they are incarcerated because they are unable to get in contact with a potential victim.  Most of these people will never stop offending completely, only at times when there is no prey to be had.    

Elizabeth, Fairmont, WV (Sent Thursday, July 26, 2007 4:00 PM)

This is not entrapment at all. These men willfully solicited adolecents for the purpose of sexual gratification. Chris Hanson and his crew were not there with the predators when they deliberately made contact with these decoys. We should always be on guard and pro-active when it comes to protecting young ones.

Female police officers dress as prostitutes to catch sexual prowlers and undercover cops put their lives at risk in an attempt to nab drug dealers. No one forces the people to stop the car or to sell drugs. It's a matter of them taking personal responsibility whether it's in real life or on the internet.

I don't watch the show to be entertained. I watch it to learn. What I find the most amazing is the lies and the lack of concern for the intended victim. Any remorse that shows on their faces is for themselves, for getting caught. They could care less about the welfare of the child. Why on earth wouldn't we want these investigations and exposes to occur in every town and every city across the United States?

Rehabilitation? You can't force someone to want to help themselves. These are criminals, not mental patients. They can think clearly enough to entice and manipulate young victims. They're perfectly capable of obtaining vehicles, driver's licenses, guns and condoms. Seems to me the only thing wrong mentally or emotionally is their refusal to be accountable for their actions.

And one more thing. I don't care if they have to suffer embarrassment or humiliation or marital problems. How many teenagers lives have been ruined by sexual predators who were never caught?

T Nelson, Reno, NV (Sent Monday, August 06, 2007 6:34 AM)

I think the immense shame brought upon these predators and their families has to eventually have an effect.  We can educate our children, but people have to put real sanctions/pressure on their known family members who are doing this.  How much of a shock can this be? Apparently even with a conscience [law enforcement person in Texas who shot himself], this behavior is too addictive/compulsive. Perhaps the next series investigates medications that address sexual deviance.  I believe it's done in Canada more than here.  

Rhonda (Sent Monday, August 06, 2007 6:59 AM)

As a brother I love my little sister with all my heart, and would protect her with my life. But these men look at these little girls, who are still developing both physically and mentally, for sexual pleasure. I am discusted by this behavior and I see it all the time on the internet. Thank you Chris Hansen for what you are doing, we really admire your work.

P.S- There should be an investigation like this in Japan, because pedophilia over there is a real big problem.

Chris, IL Chicago (Sent Monday, August 06, 2007 11:49 AM)

Chris, I am disturbed by your decision to host this program.  I imagine that you tell yourself--as do most who post here--that you are protecting children and serving justice.  However, you and your production team are not members of law enforcement or the legal system, you are using entrapment to humiliate suspects who, while most likely disturbed and willing to have sex with a minor, have usually committed no actual crime.    If you care about the children, why not take some of the resources in having the Dateline crew on-site (including the cost of your time) and use that to do more sting operations.  Then, you could merely report on all of your successes (what's your conviction rate?) from the studio, without subjecting the friends and families of the suspects to the humiliation like you do.  That won't happen.  Because there are a lot of Joe and Jill America's out there for which the show (a) satisfies their voyeuristic urges, and/or (b) validates their fears that sexual predators are taking over the country.  It's about viewership and advertising dollars.  That's it.  You would host Dateline:  To Catch a Monkey That Urinates On Zoo Visitors if it resulted in the revenue that TCAP does.  As Bill O'Reilly says, "Tell me where I'm wrong."  Please consider posting this, even thought it goes against the grain of the other pat-on-the-back posts I see here.

Chris Sanders, Tacoma, WA (Sent Monday, August 06, 2007 4:25 PM)

What they are doing serves absolutely no purpose, because the real child molester and abducters are NOT sitting at home in front of their computer going into chat rooms on the Internet. The real child molesters are hanging out at playgrounds and school yards and waiting in their cars for kids to be alone and then they nab them and take them away. Using a computer is not gonna catch these men at all.

ML Johnson (Sent Monday, August 06, 2007 5:24 PM)

If there are any real female sexual predators and if they are hot and sexy, I would love to meet them. Let's hook up.  (LOL)

ML Johnson (Sent Monday, August 06, 2007 5:30 PM)

Yes, it is 100% entrapment. If you go back and read some of the chat logs, you will realize that in many cases the decoys are very aggressive in the chat. They practically beg the men to come over to the house. And the men are stupid enough to believe that it is all real. So of course when they arrive they know they are gonna get arrested. Fortunately, I can tell when someone is lying about their age and identity on-line. I can also spot fake pictures and a fake profile. I will always ask the other user "Do you have a web cam or a digital cam?"  99% of the time, the answer is NO. That is a red flag right there that this person is lying about their identity. I have lots of helpful tips to help guys avoig being the victim of police entrapment. I will post them later this week.

ML Johnson (Sent Tuesday, August 07, 2007 3:38 PM)

This is a show where as a parent we all need to watch !
I use spector pro 6.0 and for the last 3 are 4 years iv seen all that my girls do !
one that comes to mind is a guy saying he wants to be my 13 year old daughters boy friend so i sent him a im saying hey i got my cell back call me !the dumb idiot called my cell from his work # so i called his boss and with in 20 mins he was fired from work !spying on our kids is a good thing they have no idea the sick people out thier!

Chris Willis , San Diego, CA (Sent Tuesday, August 07, 2007 4:08 PM)

I'm a Detective, my contact info is included below. I have been attempting to do an operation like this (predator) for a long time. Your story sealed the deal. I have been authorized to start doing the research to do an operation similar to yours, here in my location.  I would love any literature you consulted and/or authored after doing your research.  Any assistance/guidance for suggestions and potential pitfalls would be greatly appreciated.  P.S. I do not desire to see this information on the blog, it was merely my avenue of approach.

Brandon, Jackson, Wyoming (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:28 AM)

I would like to thank you for exposing every one of the pedophiles that appear on your show. I wish that they all could be exposed. Pedophiles live in secrecy and hide their true identities. This leads me to the statement that every person that has posted a blog stating that what you are doing is wrong should be viewed as a predator. We all know why their responses say that this is immoral or illegal.....it is because they are scared to be the next perp on the show.

MD., WA State (Sent Wednesday, August 08, 2007 5:54 PM)

Wow I have never been so excited to see a show like date line in my life. Your shows are so great and entertaining, and real. It makes me feel happy and glad when you catch these people. I get butterflies in my stomach.Its also hard not to laugh though sometimes when the decoy tells the predator. "Hey do you want something to drink" and then Chris Hansen comes out with water or something saying "sooo why do you want to drink with a 13 year old girl". Both of their facial expressions are priceless. GREAT JOB! Every body.

J.Nelson New York City, now OHiO (Sent Thursday, August 09, 2007 2:42 PM)



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