Caught on Camera: Odessa Man Charged with Lewd Child Crimes After Sting Operation

MIDLAND, TX — A group known as Predator Poachers, a group known for exposing individuals engaging in inappropriate online interactions with minors, released a video capturing the confrontation of a man identified only as "Cole" in Midland, Texas.

In the video, Cole said he was in his 30s, from Odessa, working in the oil field industry. He was lured to a location under the pretense of meeting a 13-year-old girl he had been communicating with on a dating app. The group used decoy profiles to engage with Cole, documenting their exchanges and his eventual arrival at the meet-up point.

The video reveals Cole admitting to curiosity about the situation while denying any intention to engage in illegal activities. However, the conversation captured on video suggests otherwise, with Cole discussing potentially sexual scenarios with the decoy, who explicitly stated her age as 13.

Upon his arrival, an investigator began questioning his intentions and actions. Cole initially seemed to acknowledge the situation's inappropriateness but later attempted to downplay his involvement, claiming he was merely curious about the scenario.

The interaction escalated when law enforcement was called to the scene. Cole was arrested by the police based on the evidence provided by the Predator Poachers, including recorded conversations and messages.

Predator Poachers says their mission is educational, aiming to inform the public, particularly parents, about the dangers of online interactions between adults and minors. They claim not to engage in harassment or vigilantism, instead focusing on providing material public awareness.