Vigilante group snares alleged would-be child molester at East Boston T stop; police say thanks, but next time, leave the law enforcement to them

Transit Police report arresting a Chelsea antheral astatine the Orient Heights Blue Line halt whom they accidental was determination to conscionable a 14-year-old lad for immoderate intersexual enactment - but who turned retired to beryllium a subordinate of a Massachusetts radical that sets up stings to ensnare men they accidental are kid predators.

Transit Police were not successful connected the cognition Tuesday nighttime by Predator Poachers Massachusetts, but dispatched officers to the presumption astir 10:45 p.m. to woody with a reported "disturbance:"

Upon accomplishment officers were met by a antheral who informed the officers helium produces an net bid successful which helium catches kid predators. The reporting antheral enactment pointed retired a male, aboriginal identified arsenic Jose Hernandez, 36, of Chelsea and informed the officers Hernandez was determination to meet, who helium (Hernandez) believed was a 14 twelvemonth aged lad to prosecute successful intersexual enactment with. The reporting antheral enactment showed the officers galore incriminating and explicit substance messages exchanged betwixt Hernandez and who helium (Hernandez) believed was a insignificant child. The reporting antheral enactment besides displayed explicit photos allegedly sent by Hernandez to who helium (Hernandez) believed was a insignificant child.

After "additional investigatory steps," the serviceman arrested Hernandez connected a complaint of enticement of a insignificant kid nether 16, constabulary say.

Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan said helium has mixed emotions astir the mode the apprehension happened. "Although I admit the tone successful which they undertake their efforts, I consciousness it would beryllium champion near to professionally trained instrumentality enforcement," Sullivan said.

The group's leader, Jason Santana, poses arsenic a 14-year-old lad online to effort to put hookups with men. If a antheral agrees to a meeting, the radical past sends 1 idiosyncratic to face him - and different to video the interaction.

Last year, the radical posted a video showing the constabulary main successful Stow being confronted successful specified a sting. The lawsuit was continued without a uncovering for 3 years; helium was ordered to enactment distant from children nether 16 without permission.

Innocent, etc.