Full Notification

An organization aimed at catching child sexual predators posed as a minor and engaged a previously convicted sex offender with the purpose of meeting. The suspect traveled to San Mateo to meet the “minor” and was arrested by our department.
 
San Mateo, California – This morning, representatives of an organization aimed at catching child predators by acting as minor decoys who solicit potential offenders, notified the San Mateo Police Department that they had been engaging with a male subject for the purpose of sexual activity. Plans between the suspect and the decoy were solidified and they agreed to meet at a location here in San Mateo. Using the suspect’s phone number and open-source data, the organization was able to provide identifying information on the subject to our department. Using the information we had gathered, we determined the suspect was James Carey and were able to locate a vehicle registered to him. Utilizing our automated license plate reader (ALPR) database we were able to determine Carey was in fact enroute to San Mateo from the East Bay and we were able to trace his whereabouts as he approached the meet up location. Once there, we were able to locate his vehicle while he continued inside. 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 1pm, Carey arrived at the agreed upon location and the decoy identified him while SMPD officers moved in for the arrest. Carey was taken into custody without incident. It should be noted that Carey is a 290PC Sex Registrant with a prior conviction. He was interviewed and then transported and booked into the San Mateo County Jail on the charges below.

While impassioned by their cause, this organization, who wish to remain anonymous, has taken it upon themselves to catch nefarious evildoers in the act. However, we do not encourage anyone to ever put themselves in harms way to catch a criminal. We appreciate the communication with our department and are glad we were able to bring this incident to a successful closure without real harm inflicted on a real child.

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 1.888.PREVENT. You can also refer to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at www.missingkids.org or use their cyber tipline at 1.800.THE.LOST. Child exploitation should never happen. Please report anyone you suspect to your local law enforcement agency.
 
ARRESTED:
James Carey, age 43, Pleasant Hill resident
 
CHARGES:
288.4(a)(2) PC – Arrange a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes w/prior, 288.3a PC – Contact a minor for the intent of committing a serious felony, 288.4(b) PC – Meeting with the intent to engage in lewd or lascivious acts with a minor
 
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