“I walked up to him and tried confronting him,” he said. “A small confrontation turned into chasing him out of the store.”
Morris Police were called to the scene. Baker said he turned over evidence to police, and officers arrested 23-year-old Ethan Kotlinski. Video of the confrontation has been viewed more than 100,000 times on Facebook.
“There is this idea of vigilante groups on busting people for solicitation of a minor has gained a popularity,” said Chicago-based attorney Adam Sheppard. “I think because as technology gets better and better it s easier for them to do.”
While the intention may be good, Sheppard said he doesn’t think private citizens should take matters into their own hands, especially with no formal training.
Illinois man, 23, charged with traveling to meet 11-year-old for sexual purposes
By Brittany Garzillo and FOX 32 Digital Staff
Published
Man, 23, charged with traveling to meet 11-year-old for sexual purposes
When Morris police arrived at the Walmart, Ethan Kotlinski was in the parking lot on the ground surrounded by a group of people videotaping him.
MORRIS, Ill. - A 23-year-old suburban man is accused of traveling to meet a minor for sexual purposes.
Ethan Kotlinski of Yorkville was arrested at a Walmart in Morris on Monday after allegedly having conversations with a person who he thought was an 11-year-old girl, and then traveling to meet the child.