EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Should evidence gathered by civilians who carry out undercover online child predator stings be admissible in court? That’s the focus of proposed legislation in Harrisburg.

You may have seen videos on the internet of undercover civilian stings. But in many cases, video or statements may not be used in court.

Under current state law, only police can pose as minors in undercover stings, this bill, if it becomes law. Would change that but people I’ve spoken with people who work in the legal system, who fear it could open the door to vigilante justice and jeopardize public safety.

“We are trying to proactively look at ways to deter and stop contact with minors before it happens,” said Rep. James Haddock- (d) 118th district.

State Representative James Haddock is co-sponsoring House Bill 1660, entitled “Unlawful Contact with a Minor.

No doubt many of you have seen the videos of undercover online stings like this one carried out by the self-proclaimed Luzerne County Predator Catcher Musa Harris.

Similar stings are being carried out across the commonwealth. However, under current state law, a person violates the law only if they make contact with an actual minor or a law enforcement officer posing as a minor with the intent of committing a sex crime.

So often times the information gathered by the civilian is not admissible in court. This proposed legislation would clear civilians to carry out such stings allowing prosecutors to use any potential evidence they gather.

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“If this bill would prevent a tragedy from happening to one of our most vulnerable, children, this bill is all about protecting children and aiding not competing with but aiding our law enforcement,” Haddock added.

“I have very serious concerns about it. Obviously, we are talking about allowing civilians to do police work basically,” said Luzerne County District Attorney, Sam Sanguedolce.

Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce says it would create all kinds of safety risks.

“So depending on how this law is written it could be favorable but it could be very risky to civilians that are going to be encouraged to get involved in what is very dangerous work,” Sangedolce added.

Some of the above video taken by self-proclaimed Luzerne County Predator Catcher Musa Harris. He claims to have confronted close to 600 would-be child predators who thought they were chatting online with a minor and thought they were meeting up with that minor.

Some of his stings led to charges but others did not because of the wording of state law which basically says a person violates the law only if they make contact with an actual minor or a law enforcement officer posing as a minor with the intent of committing a sex crime. State Representative James Haddock is co-sponsor of the bill that would give civilians more legal leeway.

“If this bill would prevent a tragedy from happening to one of our most vulnerable children. This bill is all about protecting children and aiding not competing but aiding our law enforcement,” Haddock continued.

D.A. Sam Sanguedolce is concerned about public safety. So are Kingston Police, they have arrested some 40 would-be child predators in an ongoing online sting.

They’re not trained on what evidence is needed. They’re not trained how to protect themselves often going out alone. These are people you are about to turn their lives upside down and not that I have any sympathy for these people but it’s an encouragement for them to react violently being confronted by this evidence,” Sanguedolce said

“It makes me nervous, makes me nervous because you’re going after people involved in serious crimes,” said Chief Richard Kotchik, Kingston Police Department.

Attorney Larry Moran is the Chief Public Defender in Lackawanna County. He too is watching this legislation very closely.

“It’s a very bad idea and a very dangerous idea. It invites vigilante entrapment a shortcut to glory could end up being a highway to disaster,” Moran added.

As for Harris?

Mehalshick asked, “What do you think about concerns the police that say you really shouldn’t be doing this kind of work?

“It’s not for anybody to do. You put yourself at risk out here doing it so I don’t recommend it for anybody,” Harris said.

Representative Haddock says he understands the concerns of law enforcement and has already been meeting with area police departments.

He says this is still a work in progress and the legislation is designed to help law enforcement, not impede their work.