A Los Angeles man alleged to be a child sexual predator has been arrested after a group of 20 teens organized a sting operation to expose his deeds.
Investigators for the Riverside County Sheriff's Office responded to Nicolas Road Park last Friday. In a press release, the police department said they received information that a man was set to meet with a minor for sex acts around 4:25 p.m. that day.
When deputies arrived, they also found that there was a crowd of at least 20 teenagers recording the suspect's meeting with the minor. Police promptly arrested the suspect, who was later identified as 46-year-old William Vandenbush, the sheriff's office said in a statement.
What Charges Will Vanderbush Face?
Vandenbush will face charges of sending harmful matters to a minor, contacting a minor for sexual purposes, and arranging to meet with a minor for sexual purposes. He has been booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
The police are still investigating Vandenbush's crimes and are encouraging anyone with information on the case to contact them at (951) 696-3000.
Read more: Florida Teen Collected Own Evidence of Rape After Police Charged Her With Filing False Report
Behind the Sting Operation
A subsequent investigation revealed Vandenbush had sent nude photographs to a minor---whose identity was not revealed---and set up a time to meet up for sexual purposes.
Authorities did not reveal any details about how the teens set up the sting operation or what their relationship with the minor was. However, they discourage the public from organizing such operations and aiding the police in this manner due to safety concerns.
"The Riverside County Sheriff's Office strongly discourages residents from conducting their own undercover investigations and arranging to meet with potential suspects. This action unnecessarily jeopardized the safety of everyone in the vicinity of the park," they wrote.
The warning comes after police were forced to shoot a predator at a local Popeye's after the mother of a 13-year-old girl tricked him into meeting with her to confront him for sexting with her daughter.
The suspect was shot at least thrice by police during the altercation. He survived and was caught. The suspect in that case is now being held on a $700,000 bond.
