MADISON — Attorney General Josh Kaul is warning that a resurgence of online vigilantes posing as children to trap and embarrass sexual predators is hampering police efforts.
Groups have taken to the internet posing as children interested in sex with adults. If an adult shows up to meet the child the groups walk up to them and ask why they want to have sex with children while posting the encounter online.
Kaul issued a news release Monday saying Wisconsin is experiencing a "resurgence" of such groups. He says such activity puts everyone involved in danger and can ruin investigations because the would-be offenders go home and wipe their computers of evidence.
State Division of Criminal Investigations Director Matt Joy said he had no statistics on such vigilante groups' activity in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children Bureau requests any suspicious activity be reported to law enforcement immediately. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-843-5678 or online at http://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline.
