topics:
WACO, Texas (WKRC) – Three social media vigilantes that hunt for predators and post their escapades online were arrested after one of their alleged targets lost consciousness during a confrontation.
According to a release from the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office, the ordeal started in August of 2025 when three men affiliated with Oklahoma Predator Prevention (OPP), an online predator-hunting group, traveled to McLennan County to confront a man they believed “had engaged in an online sexually explicit communication with what the man thought was a minor aged female.”
One of the three men, Russell Goodwin, was identified as the founder of OPP.
“OPP, founded by Russell Goodwin, follows a trend seen by similar social media vigilante groups, using ‘decoys’ and ‘catchers’ to carry out sting-style operations targeting individuals suspected of attempting to engage with minors in sexually explicit conversations or meet-ups,” the release explained.
“These confrontations, often referred to as ‘catches,’ are typically live streamed on social media with the intent of exposing/humiliating alleged predators, while also generating online content aimed at building a following and monetizing their activities,” it continued.
The confrontation between OPP and the alleged predator was caught on camera and reviewed by investigators, the release said.
“The video reveals a coordinated effort by the three OPP members to control and restrict the man’s movements, including directing him where to stand, corralling him into a secluded area, all the while using aggressive and profane language,” deputies said.
“The situation escalated to the point where the man lost consciousness, collapsed and struck his head. It was only at that point that OPP members notified law enforcement.”
Authorities said they were able to confirm that the man that the OPP confronted did, in fact, send a sexually explicit image to “what he believed to be a minor aged female” and he was subsequently arrested.
The three OPP members – Russell Goodwin, Ryan Koch, and George Liebsch – were arrested and charged with unlawful restraint with an expose to substantial risk of serious bodily injury modifier.
“The MCSO strongly discourages the public from engaging in vigilante activities and urges individuals to report any suspected criminal behavior to law enforcement authorities,” the release said. “Confronting suspected predators without proper training or proper law enforcement support is extremely dangerous and can result in escalation, unintended to harm to the surrounding community, tainted evidence and interference with criminal investigations.”