San Mateo police assisted a group that aims to catch child predators by acting as minor decoys with an arrest of a previously convicted sex offender Sunday morning.
The group wished to remain anonymous, but notified the police department they were engaging with a man through a decoy under the ruse of proposed sexual activity. Plans were solidified and the man agreed to meet a decoy in San Mateo.
Using the suspect’s phone number and open-source data, the organization was able to provide identifying information on the man, who police determined was James Carey, 43, of Pleasant Hill.
Police located a vehicle registered to him and used the automated license plate reader database to determine Carey was in fact en route to San Mateo from the East Bay. Police located his vehicle while he continued inside the mall. Earlier, Carey had sent a picture of himself to the decoy, so we were able to use that to further confirm his identity.
Shortly after 1 p.m., Carey arrived at the agreed upon location and the decoy identified him while officers moved in for the arrest. Carey was taken into custody without incident.
Police do not encourage anyone to ever put themselves in harms way to catch a criminal. If you recognize you need help due to sexual abuse tendencies or have been a victim of sexual abuse, find resources at www.StopItNow.org or (888) PREVENT. You can also refer to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org or use their cyber tip line at (800) THE-LOST. Child exploitation should never happen. Please report anyone you suspect to your local law enforcement agency.
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