Level 3 sex offender caught by vigilante group

KINGSTON, MA – In a dramatic turn of events at a local gas station, an arrest was made involving a registered offender who allegedly sought to meet an underage girl. The confrontation, however, did not unfold in a typical manner. Instead, it was orchestrated by a group known as Predator Poachers, who took matters into their own hands to expose the suspect.

Members of Predator Poachers confronted the offender, identified as 56-year-old David Baxter, in the parking lot. Baxter, who has a lengthy criminal history, believed he was meeting a 13-year-old girl named Ali, who was actually a decoy set up by the group.

The encounter, which lasted over 30 minutes, was captured on video by the group. The footage shows the confrontation before Kingston police arrived to make the arrest. The group’s leader, Mike Delani, explained that their objective is to expose individuals they believe are attempting to exploit minors.

While the Predator Poachers celebrate their success, local law enforcement emphasizes the potential risks involved in such vigilante actions. Police warn that these confrontations could escalate into violence or complicate legal proceedings due to improper evidence gathering.

Despite these concerns, Delani remains undeterred. He acknowledges the risks but believes the group’s efforts are necessary to address what he describes as a severe problem with online predators.

Baxter, who has been charged with luring a minor, pleaded not guilty. His criminal record includes 47 prior arraignments, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The Predator Poachers have conducted multiple operations, leading to 11 arrests in the past six months. Their controversial methods continue to spark debate over the role of citizen-led initiatives in crime prevention.