EXPOSING A PREDATOR: INSIDE A STING OPERATION IN OREGON

In an unassuming neighborhood in Oregon, a confrontation took place that would expose one of the most disturbing individuals ever caught in a growing network of vigilante-led sting operations targeting online predators.

This particular case centered around a man identified as Christopher Lloyd, who believed he was on his way to meet two underage girls. Instead, he walked directly into a trap designed to expose and document his criminal intentions.

The Setup

A group of private online investigators, known informally as “EDP Watch,” has been working across several U.S. states to identify and expose online predators. The organization operates decoy accounts—posing as minors—and documents conversations, image exchanges, and meeting attempts that suggest criminal activity.

According to the lead investigator, Christopher Lloyd had been in communication with two separate decoy profiles—both claiming to be underage. Over the course of several hours, Lloyd allegedly sent explicit messages and images that investigators described as deeply disturbing. His language was explicit, his intentions clear, and the content he shared crossed federal criminal boundaries.

The Breaking Point

What separated this case from many others, according to the investigators, was the sheer volume and explicit nature of the materials sent. The decoys received over 30 graphic images within a short span of time—what the investigator described as a “barrage of CP” (commonly understood to be shorthand for child pornography, though often euphemistically called “cheese pizza” in coded online slang).

In a particularly emotional moment captured off-camera, one of the decoys—an adult volunteer—was reportedly driven to tears and had a panic attack from the volume and graphic nature of the material being sent to them.

“Usually, we’re prepared for this,” said the lead investigator, whose team works with trauma-aware protocols. “But this was beyond the pale. We knew we had to act quickly.”

Planning the Confrontation

Working with local police, the team arranged for Lloyd to believe he was meeting the decoys in person. Instead, they set up hidden cameras and coordinated a sting at a known, safe location.

“We weren’t sure if we’d get the arrest immediately,” the lead investigator said. “But our hope was to at least gather enough evidence and testimony to prompt an official investigation, if not immediate action.”

What Happened Next

When Lloyd arrived, cameras were already rolling. The confrontation was calm but firm. The lead investigator spoke with him directly, challenging him on the messages he had sent, the images he had shared, and the statements he had made about past actions—including alleged abuse of relatives.

At first, Lloyd tried to deflect, using casual language and inappropriate jokes. But as the conversation grew more serious and direct, he became visibly uncomfortable.

While the full video of the encounter has not yet been released to the public (pending legal review), parts of the footage have already been shared with law enforcement.

“We’re hoping the police here will go two for two,” said the investigator, referencing a prior arrest made just two hours earlier on similar charges. “The evidence is overwhelming.”

Legal Implications and Community Impact

Though vigilante sting operations exist in a legal gray area, many law enforcement agencies across the country have begun to work alongside—or at least review the findings of—such groups when credible evidence is collected.

Under U.S. federal law, the possession, distribution, or solicitation of CSAM is a serious felony offense, punishable by decades in prison.

“The disturbing part is not just that he tried to meet up,” said a local prosecutor not affiliated with the case, “but that he was already in possession of thousands of illegal images. That’s where things get especially serious.”

The Bigger Picture

As disturbing as this case is, it’s unfortunately part of a growing trend. With the accessibility of online chat apps and anonymous platforms, predators have found new ways to target vulnerable individuals. The efforts of organizations like EDP Watch—though controversial—shed light on the scale of the problem.

However, experts caution that amateur operations must always prioritize legal compliance and safety. “Entrapment, mishandling of evidence, or misidentification can jeopardize real legal action,” said a former cybercrime investigator.

Moving Forward

As of this writing, Christopher Lloyd’s case is under review by local law enforcement. The evidence compiled by the sting operation, including chat logs, image metadata, and video footage, has been turned over to authorities.

For the victims—both real and potential—the outcome of this case may bring some level of justice.

“Doing this work isn’t easy,” said the lead investigator. “But every time we prevent one of these guys from reaching a real child, it’s worth it.”

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