BUFFALO, N.Y. — A YouTube channel has led to the arrest of two men for allegedly attempting to meet up with underage teens for sexual conduct through social media apps.
The creator of the YouTube channel 'Pitbulls vs.Predators' works to catch predators in Western New York. In videos, he refers to himself as Pitbull.
District Attorney John Flynn said this man, whose identity he did not release, pretends to be a minor on social media.
"He goes on various social media websites and he tries to lure individuals to meet him," Flynn said.
Flynn said Pitbull will record the encounters and post them on his YouTube channel. His videos have thousands of views and last week they led to two arrests.
The District Attorney's Office announced the arrests Monday morning.
Mark Jacobell, 65, of Buffalo, was charged with attempted criminal sex act and one count of attempted endangering the welfare of a child.
The Erie County District Attorney's office says Jacobell attempted to meet a person he thought to be a 15-year-old male at a location on Delaware and Hertel avenues on November 15.
Jacobell was arraigned Monday in Buffalo City Court. He was released on his own recognizance until his next court date.
An Amherst man is also facing similar charges.
Erick Guigui, 50, is charged with attempted use of a child in a sexual performance, attempted disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree, attempted criminal sexual act in the third degree, a class A misdemeanor and attempted endangering the welfare of a child, a class B misdemeanor.
Investigators say Guigui attempted to meet a person he believed to be a 15-year-old male at a location on Delaware and Kenmore avenues for sexual conduct on November 29. They say Guigui allegedly requested the 'victim' to send him sexually explicit photos via social media.
He was arraigned in Buffalo City court on Friday. His next court date is January 16. He was also released on his own recognizance.
Though his work has led to charges, Pitbull has been warned by law enforcement to stop.
"He may be jeopardizing an active investigation by legitimate law enforcement personnel" Flynn said. "He has been told numerous times to stop this."
2 On Your Side reached out to the creator of the YouTube channel for this story he declined to do an interview.