Texan arrested in Turlock (CA) in sting for Web pedophiles

Modesto Bee ^ | 2/2/03 | Pat Giblen

[AppyPappy]

Pervs make me more queasy. It takes a lot of evidence to bag these guys. The only bad thing is that ONE accusation can ruin you but that is true of anything today.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

I believe you. Cases like this have been thrown out for entrapment. The cops have to be real careful how they do it.

[Phantom Lord]

"Hedrick never makes first contact," he said. "Instead, the offender always contacts him. They are looking for these girls."

I suspect that is the case most of the time. But do you honestly take them at their word that they are 100% honest and as pure as the wind driven snow? I do not.

[ThinkingMan]

sounds similar to an undercover cop posing as a prostitute or drug dealer and arresting those who aproach for business. I have no problem with that.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the heads up!

[Freedom2specul8]

You're welcome AG!

[Viva Le Dissention]

I think in this instance, things go a little further than simple solicitation. And, honestly, unless there is a little more to the story than what is written in the article, I'm not sure there is even solicitation there (although I honestly didn't read it that carefully).

I do have a general problem with so-called "thought crimes" or inchoate offenses, but this seems to be a clear cut case of attempt. It's more than just a speech crime or a thought crime. He made every effort to complete the crime, and he was foiled right before he did it. It doesn't matter that there was no girl. If I go to buy coke, and I really buy soap powder, I'm still guilty of attempted possession of cocaine. It doesn't matter that the coke never existed or that it was impossible to complete the actual crime. I tried, and that's all there is.

There aren't too many times I come down on the side of law and order, but I think this is one of them, despite Phantom's well reasoned and correct concerns about entrapment.

[DAnconia55]

FWIW, I'm on your side...

[M. Thatcher]

I am still a little uneasy with federal officals lying about who they are.

You are kidding, right?

[nightdriver]

"But I would not be surprised if there are FBI agents sitting in chat rooms typing "13 year old girl looking for older man to chat with" to see who bites their hook."

Yep! Could show you examples.

[Phantom Lord]

You are kidding, right?

No, I am not kidding. You might not mind federal officals lying about and misrepresenting who they are. I do mind.

[Republic of Texas]

" Most people think of pedophiles as these creepy guys who you can identify," Christianson said. "But the truth is over the years we've arrested professional football players, doctors, teachers and even journalists." "

Why is he so surprised about journalists? Some of them support this kind of crime.

[Republic of Texas]

Exzactly. In addition to the sick part of this, this is a very stupid man. I'm glad about that, but always surprised.

[Dengar01]

EXACTLY!, thats my problem with the whole thing as well. Just like the drug and prostitute stings you see on the cop shows. Entrapment indeed

But it is entertaining television.

[tubebender]

We need a local to followup on this perp when LE opens his computer and finds hundreds of hits by this scum.

[M. Thatcher]

No, I am not kidding. You might not mind federal officals lying about and misrepresenting who they are. I do mind.

Well, bully for you.

You are no doubt one of those twits who think spies should present accurate calling cards and the CIA should be barred from trafficking with the unsavory.

Thank God you don't get to set the ground rules.

[Phantom Lord]

I have laid out my position in various posts on this thread.

If the perp is the one who starts and engages the agent in the activity then fine, the agent can play along and say he is a 13 year old girl. No problem.

But, if the agent, posing as a 13 year old girl is soliciting conversation then I have a problem with it.

Just as if an undercover agent is on the street corner and a man goes up to him and asks if he has any dope for sale. The man attempting to buy should be arrested. But undercover agents shouldnt be allowed to stand on the street corner and ask passerbys if they want to buy some dope.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

It doesn't work the other way.

Yeah, likely not. I was just thinking that if an agent were trying to get info from a perv on the best "fishing spots", as it were...or trying to ingratiate himself into a group by playing along....that kind of thing.
There must be all kinds of angles they work.

[Diver Dave]

We need a local to followup on this perp when LE opens his computer and finds hundreds of hits by this scum.

I'm only privy to the local newspaper for info, but I'll be sure to let you know if anything more developes.

As you may have noted from the reports on the Laci Peterson disappearance, over 150 registered sex offenders live within a small area surrounding Laci's residence. These SO's have been interviewed by LE. However, it is very rare that sex offender individuals make it to the newspaper. If they do, even more rare is a follow-up story.

The newspapers are more interested in selling advertising space than wasting their time on reporting news that the public would like to know about - especially when it concerns the safety and well being of themselves and family. /rant

[M. Thatcher]

This has been well litigated, and your position has never won.