A man from St. Catharines has found himself facing child luring charges after a run-in with self-proclaimed “predator poachers,” sparking a discussion about vigilante justice.
A video capturing the incident on Darren R. Fox’s driveway in the city’s west end led to his arrest at 49 years old, and it likely cost him his administrative position at Brock University.
The video has received over 87,000 views on You Tube.
The vigilante, who goes by Mike King Jr., traveled from Long Island, N. Y., stayed with friends in Buffalo, N. Y., and crossed into Canada on August 9 to confront Fox about alleged chats with someone posing as a 14-year-old girl on an adult messaging app.
King wore a microphone while his partner filmed the scene from their vehicle. The footage posted by Predator Poachers Long Island begins with voice messages that were supposedly left by Fox.
The first message states, “You are so cute. How shy you are, and I love that I can make you blush. Who knows? Maybe the next step here is we can talk over the phone.”
Following that, the messages become sexually explicit.
Fox didn’t deny sending those messages. He explained to King that he knew he wasn’t speaking to a real 14-year-old because she was a decoy set up by a vigilante group that “entraps” people.
“I was playing a game with somebody who’s trying to play a game,” Fox said.
King waved around printouts of their conversations and said, “Here is some stuff that was said and talked about between you two.”
Fox interrupted him: “I was just trying to move it along because I knew I was talking to you guys.”
When Fox went back into his house, King contacted Niagara Regional Police. Their internet child exploitation unit began an investigation after King handed over his evidence.
Five days later, detectives from NRP arrested Fox at home and charged him with four offenses – luring a child through telecommunications for sexual interference, luring a child through telecommunications for sexual touching invitations, making sexually explicit material available to minors, and creating child pornography (both written and audio).
Fox hasn’t been convicted of any crimes yet; none of the allegations against him have been proven in court. He remains in custody. His attorney, Mike Del Gobbo, did not reply to emails or calls regarding this story.
U. S. resident Mike King Jr., using an alias, is seen confronting Darren Fox outside his residence in St. Catharines on August 9.
Predator Poachers Long Island/You Tube
Fox no longer holds the position of alumni relations officer at Brock University. The institution announced he was “no longer employed” as of August 13 and referred further inquiries to law enforcement.
Deputy Chief Mario Lagrotteria stated that their service aims to protect vulnerable community members while thoroughly investigating reports of child luring and ensuring accountability for offenders.
Lagrotteria emphasized that serious offenses like child luring require specialized training, dedicated resources, and close coordination with partner agencies.
“Our investigators operate within strict legal frameworks to ensure evidence is collected properly and cases can be prosecuted effectively,” Lagrotteria mentioned.
“While public interest is understandable,” Lagrotteria continued “investigations must be conducted by trained professionals to protect both the integrity of the process and the safety of potential victims.”
“Members of the public taking part in their own stings could unintentionally expose themselves to criminal charges or civil litigation,” Lagrotteria added.
“More importantly,” he said “evidence not lawfully secured risks jeopardizing entire cases.” “We strongly encourage anyone having information or suspicions regarding these matters should report directly to police,” he concluded.
The Standard reached out via phone to King in Long Island. He disclosed that Mike King Jr. is an alias but requested not revealing his real name due to concerns about individuals wanting harm towards him following past interactions.
In the video clip,
Fox denied ever traveling into Niagara Falls,
N. Y., claiming he never sent any images showing where they were supposed to meet up.
He asserted he had never left Canada
and acquired such images via Google search.
“I knew what you were trying to do,” Fox stated during questioning.
“I wasn’t there; I didn’t partake in anything.”
Caught off guard,
he then accused King of attempting to ruin his life.
“I didn’t believe him when he claimed it was all just messing around,”
said King.“A lot of people I deal with have low IQs-Mr. Fox seems more sophisticated
but risking sexual exploitation against minors solely for trolling us makes no sense.” “If he’s thinking it’s acceptable behavior towards minors,
why would he try stopping us?”asked King very pointedly as if reflecting deeper thoughts behind such actions involving children.” ”“Since launching my You Tube channel back in February,
I’ve managed several arrests spanning New York State up until Connecticut;. To date total reaches nearly ten arrests made already ! ” exclaimed excitedly. It seems we’re now internationally recognized ! “Stegner quote:
King shared how impressed he’d been witnessing Canadian laws leading towards four charges placed before authorities adding ,< b>”The cops down here treated us respectfully demonstrating great interest concerning materials provided thus far!”</b> ”
“More importantly,” he said “evidence not lawfully secured risks jeopardizing entire cases.” “We strongly encourage anyone having information or suspicions regarding these matters should report directly to police,” he concluded.
The Standard reached out via phone to King in Long Island. He disclosed that Mike King Jr. is an alias but requested not revealing his real name due to concerns about individuals wanting harm towards him following past interactions.
In the video clip,
Fox denied ever traveling into Niagara Falls,
N. Y., claiming he never sent any images showing where they were supposed to meet up.
He asserted he had never left Canada
and acquired such images via Google search.
“I knew what you were trying to do,” Fox stated during questioning.
“I wasn’t there; I didn’t partake in anything.”
Caught off guard,
he then accused King of attempting to ruin his life.
“I didn’t believe him when he claimed it was all just messing around,”
said King.“A lot of people I deal with have low IQs-Mr. Fox seems more sophisticated
but risking sexual exploitation against minors solely for trolling us makes no sense.” “If he’s thinking it’s acceptable behavior towards minors,
why would he try stopping us?”asked King very pointedly as if reflecting deeper thoughts behind such actions involving children.” ”“Since launching my You Tube channel back in February,
I’ve managed several arrests spanning New York State up until Connecticut;. To date total reaches nearly ten arrests made already ! ” exclaimed excitedly. It seems we’re now internationally recognized ! “Stegner quote:
“A vigilante,with unknown training , has essentially decidedact as judge & jury”.
King mentioned feeling sympathy for Fox’s partner who joined them outside during this confrontation; her face appears pixelated throughout their video footage protecting her identity while she expressed distress during parts captured. .
This kind situation turned chaotic quickly revealing unfortunate truths leading everyday lives disrupted suddenly-she may still grapple emotional turmoil arising unexpectedly too! 
Matthew Stegner previously held senior investigator roles within New York State Police department. Stegner Consulting & Training Photo
Stegner commented how social media fueled rise among groups pursuing vigilante justice measures-they seem eager gaining viral attention associated confrontations targeting suspected online predators. Although sympathetic toward intentions aimed protecting kids displayed whilst undertaking amateur investigations’ actions risk undermining formal police efforts igniting various ethical safety concerns. “These folks lack proper guidelines safeguarding targets being pursued legally,” Stegner warned clearly pointing out flaws existing systems which maintain judicial integrity ensuring guilty parties don’t slip free unchecked. “It’s better one hundred wrongdoers walk away than see innocent individuals jailed unjustifiably-that’s why our courts exist!”
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Continuing Stegner elaborated stating essentially citizens independently conducting sting operations lack necessary oversight hence run serious risks involved ; potentially harming themselves others surrounding situations could escalate unnecessarily! Professional teams possess training protocols incorporating EMS assistance standing-by knowing jobs efficiently maintaining safe environments minimizing collateral damage stemming children’s involvement.” Likewise improper handling leads unwanted fallout occurring from public exposure related incidents possibly resulting impacting victim families long-term devastating effects on them! Overall quite complex balancing act arises navigating these scenarios requiring deft skillsets accompanied caution avoiding cavalier attitudes conveying high stakes situations! < br/>
Canadian Centre for Child Protection noted alarming increase witnessed across country seeing incidents involving online targeted attacks climbing sharply skyrocketing numbers reported-from merely two hundred twenty documented instances dating back towards year two thousand eighteen hitting whopping tally surpassing two thousand thirteen issued complaints ! Four officers comprising Niagara Regional Police internet task force received upwards exceeding two hundred fifty referrals early this year alone! Sentencing lengths differ considerably based upon aggravating factors including prior convictions existing offenders subjected varying penalties ranging minimum six months sentence maximum running down below limit ensuring avoidance federal penitentiary time frame. For instance indictable convictions fall under stricter regulations minimum one year sentence reaching peaks fourteen years’ imprisonment penalties imposed accordingly! Disturbingly multiple occurrences transpired across both nations revealing tragic consequences surrounding suicide aftermath following encounters revolving around shame experienced openly confronted within digital spheres showcasing failures adequately supporting mental health struggles faced many victims caught midst maelstrom fallout unintentional results ongoing vigilance required preventive initiatives combating issues head-on decisively! One notable case involves Katelynn Mc Knight-a survivor battling trauma endured subsequent events ultimately taking her own life grappling lasting aftermath caused due society pressures felt heavily compounded feelings isolation arising shortly after local chapter Creeper Catchers arrived doorstep equipped cellphone camera accusations hurled forth strongly denying attempts lure minor claim made against her-unfortunately content circulated causing irreparable harm! “I know there are folks who have committed suicide,” confessed king solemnly recognizing weight responsibility carried even amidst rightful outrage directed offenders caught red-handed needing accountability.” Matthew agreed emphasizing similar sentiments advocating leaving these investigations strictly professional hands possessing necessary expertise thus facilitating safeguards put firmly place defending those affected significantly reinforcing societal order! However one also suggested underlying dissatisfaction permeates beliefs pushing forward burgeoning movements spurred unmet demands yearning comprehensive reforms addressing shortcomings hindering interventions failing adequately respond long-standing challenges persisting frontline combatting crimes inflicting most vulnerable members community!Source link
