Reidsville arrest raises concerns about civilian predator stings

REIDSVILLE, Ga. (WTOC) - A recent arrest in Reidsville is raising concerns about civilian-led predator stings and how they may impact criminal cases.

Church meeting leads to arrest

On Jan, 25., Reidsville police say officers were called to the Church of God after a man asked to speak with an officer. That man identified himself as part of a group called Predator Poachers, known for conducting civilian-led stings by posing as minors online.

According to Reidsville Police, the vigilante group contacted a man online and arranged to meet him at the church, where the group says he intended to meet a minor. Police were called to the scene shortly after the man arrived.

Reidsville Police Chief Matt Lynn identified the suspect as 57-year-old Jerry Davis of Reidsville. Lynn says Davis consented to a search of his phone, where officers found graphic content.

Davis was arrested and charged with Sexual Exploitation of Children and Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation, both felony offenses.

“Very little of what the predator poachers did or was able to provide us as evidence wasn’t gonna be able to be utilized,” Chief Lynn said.

A pastor at the Reidsville Church of God said the church had no prior knowledge of the operation and was not informed it would take place on church property.

Entrapment concerns

“You definitely don’t want to be caught in a situation where you can be considered in entrapment,” the chief said. “If we were to assume his evidence, we’d be liable for possible entrapment.”

Entrapment is when someone is encouraged or led into committing a crime, which can make evidence unusable in court. Chief Lynn said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation would not take the case.

“The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and other local law enforcement agencies frown against the civilian-led stings they don’t want to get involved.”

“At the time I didn’t understand why they didn’t want to get involved,” Chief Lynn continued.

“Looking at some of the cases that have arrived from stuff like this, I 100% understand and support why they don’t get involved because you’ve got so much legality and potential lawsuits.”

Case moves forward

Chief Lynn said the case is moving forward only because an officer overheard incriminating statements before identifying herself as law enforcement.

The chief’s team is currently working with the district attorney’s office.

Prosecutors believe despite the evidence-gathering concerns, they still have a strong case.

“You go through all this work and it looks good on video, and they’re throwing the cases out because they didn’t do it the right way, then we haven’t accomplished anything,” Chief Lynn said.

Predator Poachers told WTOC that they are eager to show up to court and aid in the prosecution of Jerry Davis, who remains in the Tattnall County Detention Center.

Jail records show his bond was denied.

Chief Lynn said while online exploitation cases are increasing, civilian-led stings should consider giving their tips to law enforcement so that situations can be handled lawfully.