California Prosecutors Won't Charge Man Busted by 'Vigilante Teens' in Sex Sting, Offer No Explanation

A California man who allegedly sent nude photographs and planned a sexual encounter with a minor in a sting operation arranged by vigilante teens faces no charges at this time, according to prosecutors.

On the afternoon of Nov. 15, deputies received a tip that an adult was meeting a minor at a local park for sexual purposes. "Upon arrival, a deputy was met with a crowd of approximately 20 juveniles recording the encounter," a Riverside County Sheriff press release states.

"The investigation revealed that Vandenbush sent nude photographs and agreed to meet a minor for sexual purposes," the release continued. Deputies arrested 46-year-old William Vandenbush and later booked him for sending harmful matter to a minor, contacting a minor for sexual purposes, and arranging to meet with a minor for sexual purposes.

Prosecutors with the Riverside County District Attorney's Office have since informed KTLA that no charges will be filed against Vandenbush, and the case has been returned to the sheriff's department for further investigation.

"The Riverside County Sheriff's Office strongly discourages residents from conducting their own undercover investigations and arranging to meet with potential suspects," the sheriff's office stated, rebuking the teens who organized the ambush. "This action unnecessarily jeopardized the safety of everyone in the vicinity of the park."

The release clarified that specialized training and specific protocol enables law enforcement to present thorough, uncompromised investigations to the district attorney's office for prosecution.