Online Predators Get Screwed...

**LLFHS** · 07.19.06, 10:11 PM

These two deserve medals, IMHO.......absolute genius!

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

By Ervin Dyer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

It's a tale of sex, lies and videotape in which a likely sexual predator becomes the prey.

It's got more drama than a network soap opera: a small-town couple, shadowy meetings in a church parking lot and extortion.

Investigators say the story began in sleepy little Salineville, Ohio, a town of 1,400 people about an hour northwest of Pittsburgh.

There Michael Barnett, 22, and his wife, Maria Catini, 21, used their computer, posed as a 15-year-old in search of sex, lured potential predators to an encounter and then robbed them.

The couple apparently was inspired by the television show "Dateline," which has produced a popular series of reports documenting the proclivity of sexual predators to seek child victims.

Once communication was established, police say the couple arranged to meet the predators, often at Riley's United Methodist Church, a small building with a secluded parking lot.

According to the Carroll County sheriff, the sexual predator was photographed or videotaped by Mr. Barnett, who lay in wait in the shadows.

Banking on the fact that sexual relations with minors is a felony crime, often resulting in lengthy prison terms, the couple would rob the men -- explaining that if they did not do what was asked, they would turn the predator's photograph or video in to authorities along with a transcript of the Internet conversation.

If that wasn't persuasive enough, Mr. Barnett and up to seven possible accomplices were waiting with baseball bats.

But the ruse began to unravel when Carroll County police began to receive tips from neighboring police departments. In one complaint, a suspected solicitor filed his report, saying that he was a victim of a sex crime, extortion and aggravated robbery. That was a week ago.

After investigating, the sheriffs were led to Mr. Barnett and Ms. Catini. Police confiscated the couple's computer and jailed them after charging them with aggravated robbery charges.

Investigators believe the couple may have committed the same type of crime several times, but they were charged only in the incident last week. Carroll County authorities believe at least 14 people where involved in the scheme.

That's not the end of the drama.

Mr. Barnett, it seems, also has been absent without leave from the Army for two years. He is expected to face charges from the Army as well.

The couple could face one to five years in prison and $10,000 fine if they are convicted.

Their bond was set at $1 million.

**JCJanko** · 07.19.06, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by LowLifeFlatHeadScum

These two deserve medals, IMHO.......absolute genius!

I disagree. They found sexual predators, and did nothing to stop them from raping our children. Instead, they tried to fill their own pockets. They can go to hell like their victims.

**OLO** · 07.20.06, 12:08 AM

Two wrongs dont make a right.

**Rovus** · 07.20.06, 02:53 AM

Originally Posted by JCJanko

I disagree. They found sexual predators, and did nothing to stop them from raping our children. Instead, they tried to fill their own pockets. They can go to hell like their victims.

Couldn't agree more.

**SactoFan** · 07.20.06, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by JCJanko

I disagree. They found sexual predators, and did nothing to stop them from raping our children. Instead, they tried to fill their own pockets. They can go to hell like their victims.

I'm with you on this one...

**ZORBA5150** · 07.20.06, 07:49 AM

They're scum too just like the predators.

**smithjc** · 07.20.06, 08:32 AM

Yep. No better.

What idiots. They deserve to stay behind bars.

**Viking** · 07.20.06, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by JCJanko

I disagree. They found sexual predators, and did nothing to stop them from raping our children. Instead, they tried to fill their own pockets. They can go to hell like their victims.

I disagree as well. If they were truly concerned about the well being of minors, they would have turned information over to the police instead of luring them to rob them.

And if he's AWOL, then I hope he goes bye-bye for a long time.

**Ted Van Halen** · 07.20.06, 05:44 PM

A funny twist on this would be if this hubby & wife go to jail & end up getting prison raped by one of the guys they robbed. At any rate, they deserve whatever punishment they get.

Ted

**Axxman300** · 07.20.06, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by JCJanko

I disagree. They found sexual predators, and did nothing to stop them from raping our children. Instead, they tried to fill their own pockets. They can go to hell like their victims.

First off, they got lucky because they could have gotten killed. Many people who commit crimes are armed.

Second off, if I ever snap and decide to cleanse humanity, this is how I'll do it. Meet them on line, make them think I'm 13 and lure them to a soundproof warehouse where I'll keep my special tools...BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

**LLFHS** · 07.20.06, 07:19 PM

Okay....so two wrongs don't make a right and crime is crime. Noted.

I can't help however experiencing a gigantic fucking chuckle over the idea of some pedophile scumbag being turned from the hunter into the prey.....it absolutely elates me. And perhaps more than one of them will think twice before pulling their online shit again.

**Axxman300** · 07.20.06, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by LowLifeFlatHeadScum

Okay....so two wrongs don't make a right and crime is crime. Noted.

I can't help however experiencing a gigantic fucking chuckle over the idea of some pedophile scumbag being turned from the hunter into the prey.....it absolutely elates me. And perhaps more than one of them will think twice before pulling their online shit again.

There was an indie-flick last year that had this plot. Some girl lures an older dude into her apartment via the internet and then drugs him and ties him up and cuts off his nuts.

I don't remember the name but you'll love it.

**LLFHS** · 07.20.06, 10:13 PM

Originally Posted by Axxman300

There was an indie-flick last year that had this plot. Some girl lures an older dude into her apartment via the internet and then drugs him and ties him up and cuts off his nuts.

I don't remember the name but you'll love it.

I think I know the flick you're talking about. It's called Hard Candy. Has the girl from X Men 3 who plays Kitty Pryde. Read about it but haven't seen it yet.

**smithjc** · 07.20.06, 11:27 PM

Whatta yummy storyline.

Why do people feel the need to make movies like that? That's just sick and not the good sick either.

**Axxman300** · 07.21.06, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by LowLifeFlatHeadScum

I think I know the flick you're talking about. It's called Hard Candy. Has the girl from X Men 3 who plays Kitty Pryde. Read about it but haven't seen it yet.

That's it.

Definately one you have to be in the mood for before you watch it.