'Predator Poachers Massachusetts' help catch an alleged pedophile at a transit station

A Boston-area child predator “Poacher” group lured and cornered a man who reportedly sought to meet up with a 14-year-old boy “to engage in sexual activity with,” according to the MBTA Transit Police,

Police then arrested the suspect at a Blue Line T station.

Transit police officers met with a member of “Predator Poachers Massachusetts,” a group that produces a social media series ensnaring and exposing alleged child predators, reportedly sprang a sting-op springe on a Chelsea man at the Orient Height Blue Line T stop aroud10:45 p.m. on Aug. 31.

Armed with “numerous incriminating and explicit text messages exchanged” including “explicit photos allegedly sent,” to an assumed minor, the “Poacher” pointed out Jose Hernandez, 36, of Chelsea, and “informed the officers Hernandez was there to meet, who he (Hernandez) believed was a 14-year-old boy to engage in sexual activity with,” according to a statement from the MBTA Police.

Officers took Hernandez into custody for Enticement of a Minor Child Under Age 16 and transported him to TPD Headquarters for booking.”

While police were grateful for the aid, officials expressed concern about potential vigilantism.

"Although I appreciate the spirit in which they undertake their efforts, I feel it would be best left to professionally trained law enforcement," Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan told UniversalHub.com.