The Zion Times

By: Sachet A. Carter | The Zion Times
A Cedar City man was arrested late Tuesday evening after members of Predator Poachers, a nationwide civilian group known for conducting undercover online stings, allegedly caught him attempting to meet someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl at Southern Utah University (SUU).

Jared Goudy Hatch (30) was arrested on Sept. 9th and booked into the Iron County Jail on one count of first-degree felony attempted rape of a child, according to court documents filed in Fifth District Court.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed in the case, Hatch allegedly communicated through the Meet24 app with a decoy operated by Predator Poachers. During those exchanges, the decoy reportedly told him she was 13 years old. 

According to the court documents, Hatch also sent clothed photographs of himself and discussed sexual acts he wanted to perform with the girl after being informed of her age.

Investigators said Hatch allegedly arranged to meet the decoy at the Bell Tower on the SUU campus. Shortly before members of Predator Poachers arrived, he reportedly sent the decoy a photograph showing he was at the agreed-upon location. 

Two members of the group subsequently confronted Hatch outside the SUU Education Building.

According to the affidavit, Hatch allegedly admitted during that encounter that he had gone to the university to meet the 13-year-old and intended to engage in sexual activity with her.

Southern Utah University Police were notified of the confrontation and met with Hatch and members of Predator Poachers.

After being advised of his Miranda rights, Hatch agreed to speak with officers and allegedly admitted he had attempted to meet someone he knew to be 13 years old for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts.

The court documents further state members of Predator Poachers reviewed most of the messages exchanged between Hatch and the decoy with officers. The group also provided investigators with information collected during its investigation, including conversations, text exchanges, photographs and body-camera footage from the initial contact with Hatch. 

Following the incident, Hatch was detained and transported to the Iron County Jail where he was charged with the attempted rape of a child.

Police requested Hatch be held without bail, citing the alleged text exchanges and his presence at the arranged meeting location as evidence that he had both the intent and ability to follow through with the planned encounter.

PREDATOR POACHERS

Predator Poachers, founded by Alex Rosen, operates by having adult decoys pose as minors online, documenting conversations with suspected offenders and, in many cases, arranging in-person meetings before confronting the individuals and turning the evidence over to law enforcement. Rosen has said the group’s investigations have resulted in arrests in all 50 states.

The group has also become increasingly prominent nationally, amassing nearly 400,000 subscribers on YouTube and more than 36 million views. Earlier this year, Rosen said Predator Poachers was responsible for more than 310 convictions nationwide, a figure he provided during an interview about the organization’s work.

The organization has previously conducted operations in Utah. In April, KSL reported that Predator Poachers had traveled to the state and confronted four men, including a repeat sex offender living at a Utah Department of Corrections halfway house who was later returned to custody. Two of the four men had prior sex-crime convictions, and one of the confrontations, involving a Brigham City man, resulted in an arrest

Predator Poachers describes itself as an internet watchdog organization rather than a law enforcement agency. Its members independently conduct the online conversations and confrontations before contacting police and providing the material they have collected.

Hatch remains charged with first-degree felony attempted rape of a child. The case is now pending in Fifth District Court.

The Zion Times will continue to follow the case and provide updates as additional court records, hearings and information become available.

INDIVIDUALS LISTED ON THIS PAGE HAVE BEEN BOOKED INTO IRON COUNTY JAIL AND ARE ACCUSED OF THE FOLLOWING CRIMES BUT ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

SOURCES:
Civilian group ‘Predator Poachers’ confronts repeat sex offender at Utah halfway house | KSL.com

Predator Poachers – YouTube Channel Analytics, Ranking & Subscriber Count | Socialcounts.org