9/21/21, 11:32 AM 'Like an intervention': Nonprofit visits San Antonio to confront suspected child predators https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-child-predator-patrol-YouTube-16464903.php 1/12 NEWS NEWS // // LOCAL LOCAL 'Like an intervention': Nonpro t visits San 'Like an intervention': Nonpro t visits San Antonio to confront suspected child predators Antonio to confront suspected child predators Jacob Beltran Jacob Beltran, , Sta writer Sta writer MOST POPULAR MOST POPULAR S.A. weather: Near-record S.A. weather: Near-record heat, cold front and heat, cold front and thunderstorms thunderstorms 1 1. 'Completely 'Completely heartbroken': 75 dogs die heartbroken': 75 dogs die in fire at Texas pet resort in fire at Texas pet resort 2 2. Couple asked to leave Couple asked to leave Texas restaurant over Texas restaurant over mask wearing mask wearing 3 3. Did Did sens sens how how 4 4. Updated: Sep. 18, 2021 2:16 p.m. Updated: Sep. 18, 2021 2:16 p.m. 1 1 of of 7 7 7 7 Skip to main content Subscribe Subscribe Sign In Sign In 9/21/21, 11:32 AM 'Like an intervention': Nonprofit visits San Antonio to confront suspected child predators https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-child-predator-patrol-YouTube-16464903.php 2/12 Thomas Fellows and his team from Colorado came to San Antonio recently looking Thomas Fellows and his team from Colorado came to San Antonio recently looking for pedophiles. for pedophiles. They aren’t police of cers. One is a photographer. Another is a mother with a part- They aren’t police of cers. One is a photographer. Another is a mother with a part- time cleaning job. They and other volunteers help Fellows look for suspected child time cleaning job. They and other volunteers help Fellows look for suspected child predators. They’re driven by a belief that police and districts attorneys either don’t predators. They’re driven by a belief that police and districts attorneys either don’t take the problem seriously enough or don’t have the necessary resources. take the problem seriously enough or don’t have the necessary resources. The Bexar County District Attorney’s Of ce wasn’t pleased to learn of their The Bexar County District Attorney’s Of ce wasn’t pleased to learn of their presence here and said in a statement, “We strongly discourage citizens from presence here and said in a statement, “We strongly discourage citizens from taking these matters into their own hand.” taking these matters into their own hand.” Fellows and his associates were undeterred, and during a four-day visit to San Fellows and his associates were undeterred, and during a four-day visit to San Antonio, they confronted three men they believe are threats to children, based on Antonio, they confronted three men they believe are threats to children, based on undercover operations in which the group used online decoys posing as kids. undercover operations in which the group used online decoys posing as kids. Fellows’ group, the nonpro t Colorado Ped Patrol, encourages its targets to seek Fellows’ group, the nonpro t Colorado Ped Patrol, encourages its targets to seek counseling before it calls the police. During the group’s recent “mission” in San counseling before it calls the police. During the group’s recent “mission” in San Antonio, members summoned police to the home of one suspected predator and Antonio, members summoned police to the home of one suspected predator and gave of cers evidence they had collected on that man and two others. No arrests gave of cers evidence they had collected on that man and two others. No arrests were made. were made. Fellows, 39, who owns a window washing business in Denver, founded the Fellows, 39, who owns a window washing business in Denver, founded the nonpro t in May. He and his volunteers search for child predators online. The nonpro t in May. He and his volunteers search for child predators online. The group said it doesn’t initiate contact; its decoys wait for men to reveal their bad group said it doesn’t initiate contact; its decoys wait for men to reveal their bad Colorado Ped Patrol volunteer Celeste Hilton speaks with a San Antonio police o icer about the lewd text messages she Colorado Ped Patrol volunteer Celeste Hilton speaks with a San Antonio police o icer about the lewd text messages she received from a suspected pedophile as she portrayed a 13-year-old. received from a suspected pedophile as she portrayed a 13-year-old. Robin Jerstad / Robin Jerstad / 9/21/21, 11:32 AM 'Like an intervention': Nonprofit visits San Antonio to confront suspected child predators https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-child-predator-patrol-YouTube-16464903.php 3/12 group said it doesn t initiate contact; its decoys wait for men to reveal their bad group said it doesn t initiate contact; its decoys wait for men to reveal their bad intentions. intentions. Ped Patrol preserves online chat logs as evidence. When it confronts suspected Ped Patrol preserves online chat logs as evidence. When it confronts suspected predators, it livestreams the encounters on its YouTube channel. The nonpro t is predators, it livestreams the encounters on its YouTube channel. The nonpro t is supported entirely by donations. supported entirely by donations. “We are not about violence,” Fellows said. “We do not want these guys getting hurt. “We are not about violence,” Fellows said. “We do not want these guys getting hurt. We want them to get help or go to jail for what they’ve done.” We want them to get help or go to jail for what they’ve done.” ‘Like an intervention’ ‘Like an intervention’ One of the group’s stops in San Antonio was an apartment complex on the North One of the group’s stops in San Antonio was an apartment complex on the North Side. Side. A man who lived there had propositioned a Ped Patrol volunteer posing as a 13- A man who lived there had propositioned a Ped Patrol volunteer posing as a 13- year-old. year-old. While corresponding online with the “girl,” the man had displayed a stash of guns While corresponding online with the “girl,” the man had displayed a stash of guns and counterfeit money. He claimed to have killed before and asked the “girl” and counterfeit money. He claimed to have killed before and asked the “girl” whether she would do anything for him, including killing his wife, according to Ped whether she would do anything for him, including killing his wife, according to Ped Patrol’s chat logs. Patrol’s chat logs. The decoy was Celeste Hilton, 34, a Ped Patrol volunteer and stay-at-home mother The decoy was Celeste Hilton, 34, a Ped Patrol volunteer and stay-at-home mother of four. of four. Hilton said she was victimized by a predator when she was 12. The man lured, Hilton said she was victimized by a predator when she was 12. The man lured, groomed, assaulted and abused her over several years, she said. When confronting groomed, assaulted and abused her over several years, she said. When confronting predators, she shares aloud memories of her trauma. predators, she shares aloud memories of her trauma. “I don’t mind telling predators my thoughts. They need to know,” Hilton said. “It’s “I don’t mind telling predators my thoughts. They need to know,” Hilton said. “It’s like an intervention.” like an intervention.” 9/21/21, 11:32 AM 'Like an intervention': Nonprofit visits San Antonio to confront suspected child predators https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-child-predator-patrol-YouTube-16464903.php 4/12 The San Antonio man began communicating with her online in May. The San Antonio man began communicating with her online in May. After verifying his identity, Hilton arranged to meet him at a downtown hotel for After verifying his identity, Hilton arranged to meet him at a downtown hotel for what he apparently believed would be a sexual liaison with a 13-year-old. what he apparently believed would be a sexual liaison with a 13-year-old. The man canceled the rendezvous, however, saying he was out of town. So the Ped The man canceled the rendezvous, however, saying he was out of town. So the Ped Patrol team of four, plus three local supporters, went to his North Side apartment Patrol team of four, plus three local supporters, went to his North Side apartment in a two-story complex with a gated pool and canopy-shaded parking with in a two-story complex with a gated pool and canopy-shaded parking with numbered spots. numbered spots. A woman who identi ed herself as his wife answered the door. The man was lying A woman who identi ed herself as his wife answered the door. The man was lying on a sectional sofa in the dimly lit apartment. He claimed to be ill and on morphine. on a sectional sofa in the dimly lit apartment. He claimed to be ill and on morphine. Colorado Ped Patrol volunteer Celeste Hilton speaks with a San Antonio police o icer about the lewd text messages Colorado Ped Patrol volunteer Celeste Hilton speaks with a San Antonio police o icer about the lewd text messages she received from a suspected pedophile as she portrayed a 13-year-old. she received from a suspected pedophile as she portrayed a 13-year-old. Robin Jerstad / Robin Jerstad / 9/21/21, 11:32 AM 'Like an intervention': Nonprofit visits San Antonio to confront suspected child predators https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-child-predator-patrol-YouTube-16464903.php 5/12 Fellows livestreamed the entire encounter on YouTube, Fellows livestreamed the entire encounter on YouTube, methodically describing the methodically describing the evidence from the chat log. He encouraged the man to seek counseling. The man evidence from the chat log. He encouraged the man to seek counseling. The man refused. refused. Fellows shared jokes with viewers and periodically thanked people who were Fellows shared jokes with viewers and periodically thanked people who were donating money — mostly in $5 and $10 amounts — via Youtube. donating money — mostly in $5 and $10 amounts — via Youtube. Finally, the team called police. Finally, the team called police. The responding of cers interviewed the man but did not make an arrest. The responding of cers interviewed the man but did not make an arrest. They told Fellows they had con scated the man’s phone and that the department’s They told Fellows they had con scated the man’s phone and that the department’s vice unit would take it from there. vice unit would take it from there. Fellows was disappointed. Fellows was disappointed. “There’s so many kids here. It’s a big apartment complex,” he said. “There’s so many kids here. It’s a big apartment complex,” he said. The mission begins The mission begins For Fellows, Ped Patrol’s mission is personal. His son was molested almost eight For Fellows, Ped Patrol’s mission is personal. His son was molested almost eight years ago by his former brother-in-law. years ago by his former brother-in-law. Fellows’ anger grew when he learned that his son’s assailant was to receive a six- Fellows’ anger grew when he learned that his son’s assailant was to receive a six- year prison term. He said he fought for a longer sentence. year prison term. He said he fought for a longer sentence. The perpetrator, Shaun Gonyea, ultimately was sentenced to 20 years for sexual The perpetrator, Shaun Gonyea, ultimately was sentenced to 20 years for sexual misconduct with a minor, according to the Arizona Department of Corrections, misconduct with a minor, according to the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry. Rehabilitation and Reentry. “It motivated me to do something like this,” Fellows said. “It motivated me to do something like this,” Fellows said. 9/21/21, 11:32 AM 'Like an intervention': Nonprofit visits San Antonio to confront suspected child predators https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-child-predator-patrol-YouTube-16464903.php 6/12 Initially, his goal was to get people into therapy, which he proposed to the rst 40 Initially, his goal was to get people into therapy, which he proposed to the rst 40 or so people he confronted, he said. or so people he confronted, he said. “I thought, ‘Maybe we can get help and they can be xed,’” Fellows said. “I did a lot “I thought, ‘Maybe we can get help and they can be xed,’” Fellows said. “I did a lot of research and eventually found out that they can’t be xed because a lot of ’em of research and eventually found out that they can’t be xed because a lot of ’em don’t want to be.” don’t want to be.” Of that initial group of people, he said, two agreed to seek therapy and send him Of that initial group of people, he said, two agreed to seek therapy and send him weekly updates about their recovery — both are on their 12th step. Still, he keeps weekly updates about their recovery — both are on their 12th step. Still, he keeps evidence on them in case they backslide. evidence on them in case they backslide. Fellows began calling police more often after an of cer asked: “Who are you to say Fellows began calling police more often after an of cer asked: “Who are you to say h j il ?” h j il ?” Colorado Ped Patrol founder Tommy Fellows and Dan Jones prepare livestreaming gear before confronting a Colorado Ped Patrol founder Tommy Fellows and Dan Jones prepare livestreaming gear before confronting a suspected pedophile. suspected pedophile. Robin Jerstad / Robin Jerstad / 9/21/21, 11:32 AM 'Like an intervention': Nonprofit visits San Antonio to confront suspected child predators https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-child-predator-patrol-YouTube-16464903.php 7/12 who goes to jail or not?” who goes to jail or not?” “I said, ‘I don’t know who should be in jail and who should not,’” Fellows said. “I said, ‘I don’t know who should be in jail and who should not,’” Fellows said. Operation San Antonio Operation San Antonio Many of the people Ped Patrol confronts are willing to talk with Fellows and his Many of the people Ped Patrol confronts are willing to talk with Fellows and his supporters. Others stay quiet and run. supporters. Others stay quiet and run. Both scenarios unfolded during the visit to San Antonio. Both scenarios unfolded during the visit to San Antonio. One man, who identi ed himself to Ped Patrol as a private music teacher in Bexar One man, who identi ed himself to Ped Patrol as a private music teacher in Bexar and Wilson counties, had arranged a liaison with a decoy at a downtown hotel. and Wilson counties, had arranged a liaison with a decoy at a downtown hotel. When the four-person crew confronted him near the Bexar County Courthouse, When the four-person crew confronted him near the Bexar County Courthouse, the man talked about bringing his wife’s sex toy to his planned meetup, and he the man talked about bringing his wife’s sex toy to his planned meetup, and he revealed that he had child pornography. revealed that he had child pornography. He called his wife and told her what he was doing at the hotel before heading home. He called his wife and told her what he was doing at the hotel before heading home. In another incident, the team confronted a man who had told a Ped Patrol decoy In another incident, the team confronted a man who had told a Ped Patrol decoy that he wanted to inject a 13-year-old girl with methamphetamine. The team that he wanted to inject a 13-year-old girl with methamphetamine. The team confronted the man downtown, as he walked to what he thought would be a confronted the man downtown, as he walked to what he thought would be a meetup with a teenage girl. meetup with a teenage girl. He refused to answer their questions, ran to his vehicle and drove away. He refused to answer their questions, ran to his vehicle and drove away. 9/21/21, 11:32 AM 'Like an intervention': Nonprofit visits San Antonio to confront suspected child predators https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-child-predator-patrol-YouTube-16464903.php 8/12 Fellows said he gave San Antonio police Ped Patrol’s evidence on both men. Fellows said he gave San Antonio police Ped Patrol’s evidence on both men. Authorities take notice Authorities take notice The Bexar County District Attorney’s Of ce visited Fellows’ hotel while he was in The Bexar County District Attorney’s Of ce visited Fellows’ hotel while he was in San Antonio, but he wasn’t there. Fellows said of cials later asked him to stop San Antonio, but he wasn’t there. Fellows said of cials later asked him to stop confronting suspects and said they would handle any further encounters his group confronting suspects and said they would handle any further encounters his group had arranged. had arranged. Fellows said that when Ped Patrol has tried to work through law enforcement Fellows said that when Ped Patrol has tried to work through law enforcement rather than conduct its own investigations, an arrest typically is not made for six to rather than conduct its own investigations, an arrest typically is not made for six to eight months. They worry that the alleged pedophiles will nd other victims in the eight months. They worry that the alleged pedophiles will nd other victims in the meantime. meantime. “That could be 10, 30 people,” Fellows said. “That could be 10, 30 people,” Fellows said. The District Attorney’s Of ce said it takes seriously the crimes that Ped Patrol The District Attorney’s Of ce said it takes seriously the crimes that Ped Patrol pursues and “works closely with legitimate law enforcement agencies.” pursues and “works closely with legitimate law enforcement agencies.” Th f i d hi h i hi h i i d h T A G l’ Th f i d hi h i hi h i i d h T A G l’ Colorado Ped Patrol members stand in a straiwell and watch a livestream of group founder Tommy Fellow’s recent Colorado Ped Patrol members stand in a straiwell and watch a livestream of group founder Tommy Fellow’s recent encounter with suspected pedophile at a North Side apartment complex. encounter with suspected pedophile at a North Side apartment complex. Robin Jerstad / Robin Jerstad / 9/21/21, 11:32 AM 'Like an intervention': Nonprofit visits San Antonio to confront suspected child predators https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-child-predator-patrol-YouTube-16464903.php 9/12 The of ce cited a case this month in which it assisted the Texas Attorney General’s The of ce cited a case this month in which it assisted the Texas Attorney General’s Of ce and Olmos Park Police in an operation that led to seven arrests on suspicion Of ce and Olmos Park Police in an operation that led to seven arrests on suspicion of online solicitation of a minor. of online solicitation of a minor. “I do want to change the way police do this,” Fellows said. “It takes time. They watch “I do want to change the way police do this,” Fellows said. “It takes time. They watch our cases. They build a little rapport with us. ... At least they (SAPD) did spend a lot our cases. They build a little rapport with us. ... At least they (SAPD) did spend a lot time out here.” time out here.” Charlotte Berry, 25, one of the three local supporters who accompanied Fellows to Charlotte Berry, 25, one of the three local supporters who accompanied Fellows to the North Side apartment complex, said she hoped his brief presence in San the North Side apartment complex, said she hoped his brief presence in San Antonio would push law enforcement to focus more on child predators. Antonio would push law enforcement to focus more on child predators. “I saw some of the live catches that he had already done, and I’ve been hooked ever “I saw some of the live catches that he had already done, and I’ve been hooked ever since ” her husband Nathan Berry said of Fellows “Just to see his mission of what since ” her husband Nathan Berry said of Fellows “Just to see his mission of what Colorado Ped Patrol volunteer Celeste Hilton shows a picture that she used to pose as a 13-year-old to expose a Colorado Ped Patrol volunteer Celeste Hilton shows a picture that she used to pose as a 13-year-old to expose a suspected pedophile to people living nearby. suspected pedophile to people living nearby. Robin Jerstad / Robin Jerstad / 9/21/21, 11:32 AM 'Like an intervention': Nonprofit visits San Antonio to confront suspected child predators https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-child-predator-patrol-YouTube-16464903.php 10/12 Jacob Beltran is a sta writer on the evening public safety beat at the San Antonio Express-News. He is Jacob Beltran is a sta writer on the evening public safety beat at the San Antonio Express-News. He is completing a bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas A&M-San Antonio. Since beginning his completing a bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas A&M-San Antonio. Since beginning his journalism career in 2010, he's worked at local college newspaper The Ranger and The Mesquite. journalism career in 2010, he's worked at local college newspaper The Ranger and The Mesquite. He is a San Antonio native who enjoys video games, photography, and exploring during his free time. He is a San Antonio native who enjoys video games, photography, and exploring during his free time. LOCAL LOCAL BY TAYLOR PETTAWAY BY TAYLOR PETTAWAY since, her husband, Nathan Berry, said of Fellows. Just to see his mission of what since, her husband, Nathan Berry, said of Fellows. Just to see his mission of what he’s really trying to do, I’ve been supportive 100 percent.” he’s really trying to do, I’ve been supportive 100 percent.” jbeltran@express-news.net jbeltran@express-news.net Written By Written By Jacob Beltran Jacob Beltran Reach Jacob on Reach Jacob on VIEW COMMENTS VIEW COMMENTS Eight units in a North Side apartment complex destroyed Eight units in a North Side apartment complex destroyed in re in re Eight units of a North Side apartment complex were destroyed in a Fire Tuesday. Eight units of a North Side apartment complex were destroyed in a Fire Tuesday. 9/21/21, 11:32 AM 'Like an intervention': Nonprofit visits San Antonio to confront suspected child predators https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-child-predator-patrol-YouTube-16464903.php 11/12 Man bound for Mexico accused of hiding girlfriend’s body Man bound for Mexico accused of hiding girlfriend’s body BY JACOB BELTRAN BY JACOB BELTRAN San Marcos River wildlife, waters under growing threat San Marcos River wildlife, waters under growing threat BY ANNIE BLANKS BY ANNIE BLANKS Two men detained for bomb threat near JBSA-Lackland Two men detained for bomb threat near JBSA-Lackland BY TIMOTHY FANNING, JACOB BELTRAN BY TIMOTHY FANNING, JACOB BELTRAN Photos: Police chase sheep on the run on the West Side Photos: Police chase sheep on the run on the West Side BY MALAK SILMI BY MALAK SILMI ABOUT ABOUT CONTACT CONTACT Our Company Our Company Newspaper Delivery Safety Procedures Newspaper Delivery Safety Procedures Privacy Notice Privacy Notice Your California Privacy Rights Your California Privacy Rights Interest Based Ads Interest Based Ads Terms of Use Terms of Use Advertising Advertising Careers Careers e-edition e-edition TOP TOP 9/21/21, 11:32 AM 'Like an intervention': Nonprofit visits San Antonio to confront suspected child predators https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-child-predator-patrol-YouTube-16464903.php 12/12 ©2021 Hearst ©2021 Hearst Archives Archives Customer Service Customer Service Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions Newsroom Contacts Newsroom Contacts Corporate Subscriptions Corporate Subscriptions