COVINGTON, Ky. (WXIX) - A man crossed state lines into Covington, convinced he was about to meet a 13-year-old girl, but was met by a group that hunts down child predators across the country.
Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders said police have issued a warrant for his arrest.
The man, identified by Predator Poachers as Alex Lopez, thought he’d arranged to meet a 13-year-old for sex. Instead, he met a decoy and a camera.
Alex Rosen founded Predator Poachers, and his group has helped catch roughly 250 people this year, working with law enforcement in every state.
“The power is taken away from the predator, and we’re preying on the predator at this point — and they’re the prey,” Rosen said.
Another man caught up in this weekend’s operation, Bradley Thomas, is now behind bars in Mason County, booked and facing charges of procuring use of a minor by electronic means, according to jail records.
Thomas is one of five men who the Predator Poachers have helped police capture across the Tri-State.
Kentucky Rep. TJ Roberts has now gone out with Predator Poachers six times. Everyone they’ve confronted is facing charges.
“Predator Poachers go out of their way to ensure their work results in criminal convictions. There’s no point in doing this stuff if that’s not what you’re getting,” Roberts said.
Law enforcement cautions that this kind of civilian operation can be risky, warning it could put people in danger or jeopardize an active investigation. But Roberts said Predator Poachers works in a way that protects the investigation.
“There are groups out there that are closer to vigilantes that use violence. I don’t condone that. I disavow that,” he said.
Roberts said in the technology era, children need to be protected. He said there are gaps and that there need to be stiffer penalties.
He’s now drafting legislation to clarify the state’s solicitation statute — and launching a Kentucky chapter of Predator Poachers.
“I’m not going to stop until every child is safe,” he said.
Roberts said he’ll introduce that legislation when the General Assembly reconvenes.
Anyone with information on Alex Lopez or his whereabouts should contact Covington police.
