Predator Catcher
As a professional MMA fighter, Dustin "Scrappy" Lampros spends most of his days training for the ring. But in his free time, he fights for those who can’t defend themselves: hunting down predators who prey on children.
One recent case involved Nicholas Watson, 43, who was recently arrested for allegedly attempting to meet a minor for illicit purposes. The incident unfolded at a Walmart in Delray Beach.
“I have the time to go and do this. Also, I have the skill set to be able to control myself to do it. So, I figured you know, this was like the perfect opportunity to be able to help people and make some kind of impact,” Lampros said. “I know that the cops have their own thing that goes on but obviously it's not enough if someone like myself is able to catch a different predator every day.”
As the face of 561PC (Predator Catcher), Lampros collaborates with organizations employing online decoys to identify potential threats. When suspects like Watson arrange to meet minors in person, Lampros steps in.
According to Watson’s arrest affidavit, he had been messaging who he thought was a 13-year-old girl through an app called “Whisper.” The report says he was planning to meet up with the young girl to have sex. Imagine his surprise when a full-grown man confronts him, holding a phone full of evidence.
In a video posted by Lampros, you can see him confronting the suspect.
“I’m not a normal person,” Watson says in the video. “Well, obviously you’re not a normal person. Because normal people don’t drive 30 minutes to meet a 13-year-old,” Lampros responds.
While Lampros isn’t the one who called the cops, they arrived due to a reported disturbance.
After conducting a search warrant on Watson’s phone, police say they found hundreds of illicit photos and several files containing child pornography.
Modern-day vigilantes, like Lampros, have been gaining attention for taking matters into their own hands to combat crime. But the concept is nothing new. An early 2000s TV show “To Catch a Predator” would collaborate with law enforcement and activist groups to set up sting operations.
“It's scary because you know the guys look like a normal guy and be your everyday person, but little do you know that, you know, he's a child predator,” Lampros said.
Watson is charged with nine counts of having child pornography and one count of traveling to meet a minor for sex. He’s being held at the Palm Beach County jail on a $60,000 bond.
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