BRANSON, Mo. — Alex Rosen, leader of the vigilante group Predator Poachers, was arrested in Branson after aggressively confronting someone he alleged was a pedophile.
The Branson Police Department (BPD) said in a post on Facebook that they were called to a disturbance at the Steak ‘n Shake involving Rosen. They received reports of Rosen screaming at customers and employees and refusing to leave the premises after being asked by the manager, with some individuals reporting that they thought Rosen might get violent due to his hostility, BPD says.
Court records indicate Rosen is facing charges of first-degree harassment and misdemeanors of disturbing the peace and trespassing.
According to posts on Alex Rosen’s X account, Rosen entered a Steak ‘n Shake in Branson to confront an employee he says was caught in one of his organization’s sting operations aimed at catching sexual predators, and the account accused management of defending the alleged pedophile.
Rosen was ultimately arrested by police for disturbing the peace and trespassing and the Steak ‘n Shake location is looking to press charges.
Online civilian group deemed ‘vigilantes’ by law enforcement speaks out
Branson police say they are investigating Rosen’s claims and denied refusing any information provided by him. BPD did arrest the man accused of pedophilia after BPD detectives built a criminal case against him.
BPD also stated the following about the unofficial investigation by vigilante groups:
The rule of law is critically important. Vigilante campaigns conducted without lawful and valid investigative techniques place potential victims at unnecessary risk and increase the likelihood that families and individuals are harmed through unproven accusations. We are aware many private groups are dedicated to protecting victims from sexual predators, and we applaud their lawful efforts. Such groups that genuinely engaged in these efforts know there are procedures that must be followed for successful outcomes, and that these procedures require proper coordination with law enforcement agencies.
Branson Police Department
Rosen founded Predator Poachers in 2019 and claims his organization helped lead to arrests in at least 46 states.
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