In case you never watched it, its purpose was to catch men who were seeking sexual contact with underage persons. This was typically accomplished by impersonating kids ranging in age from 12 to 15 years old on the internet. Ultimately, they were arrested by local law enforcement. While the show certainly had its critics, it illustrated two important facts. First, that the internet is not always a safe place for children.
And second, that there are people with sexual ambitions that cross the lines deemed acceptable by society in general. Yet, the reality is that far too often they do.
To illustrate my point, just over a year ago, the BPD sparked an investigation very similar to those described above. And to top it off, it involved their own chaplainβ Samuel Lee Saylor.
The website referred to in the report is identified as ChatHour. Apparently users can set up profiles on this site and utilize it as a means of communicating with each other about topics of their choice. Seems fairly innocent until we read the reasons for their concern. I listed my profile as a female that was fifteen years old who was bi sexual. In my relationship status I listed myself as being in an open relationship. I also listed in my profile that I was looking for an older man to make me more experienced⦠I then sent a friend request to Saylor and sent a message inquiring about him.
As a means of adding the appearance of legitimacy to his year old female profile, the officer also set up a Facebook account to match. The request is accepted and it is here that Saylor initiates a conversation with the officer he believes to be year old Harper Jessen. Here is the conversation β in part β from the report:. Saylor: You contacted me on chat hour.
