Predator Poachers Catch Man Seeking Sex With Minor in Elkton

Watchdog group lured 30-year-old Baltimore man to Five Guys parking lot, leading to his arrest on child porn charges.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A watchdog group called Predator Poachers used fake online accounts to lure a 30-year-old Baltimore man named Kevonte Purnell to a Five Guys parking lot in Elkton, Maryland, where he was arrested on child pornography charges. The group had been conversing with Purnell online and learned he was seeking sex with a 13-year-old minor, which turned out to be a decoy. When Purnell arrived at the meeting spot, police were called and he was taken into custody, with authorities later finding child pornography on his phone.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of adults using online platforms to target and exploit minors, as well as the efforts of civilian watchdog groups to help law enforcement combat these predatory behaviors. The arrest in Elkton also raises questions about the legality and ethics of such sting operations conducted by private citizens.

The details

According to police, the Predator Poachers group used fake accounts on dating apps to initiate conversations with Purnell and learn that he was seeking sex with a 13-year-old. The group then arranged to meet Purnell in the parking lot of a Five Guys restaurant in Elkton, where they called the local 911 dispatch to have police respond and arrest him. While the group did not seize Purnell's phone themselves, police later found child pornography on the device, leading to additional charges.

  • On February 5, 2026, Predator Poachers lured Kevonte Purnell to the Five Guys parking lot in Elkton, Maryland.

The players

Predator Poachers

A civilian watchdog group that uses fake online accounts to identify and confront adults seeking to exploit minors.

Kevonte Purnell

A 30-year-old Baltimore resident who was arrested on child pornography charges after being lured to Elkton by the Predator Poachers group.

Lt. Ron Odom

An Elkton Police officer who commented on the case and the department's cooperation with the Predator Poachers group.

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What they’re saying

“If you're going to hurt a child, we don't care where it's at. If we can do anything to help stop that, we're going to do it.”

— Lt. Ron Odom, Elkton Police Officer (wmar2news.com)

What’s next

Purnell is expected to face charges related to the child pornography found on his phone, in addition to the outstanding warrant from the Wicomico County case. The legality and ethics of the Predator Poachers' sting operation may also be further examined.

The takeaway

This case underscores the growing threat of online predators targeting minors, as well as the controversial but potentially effective tactics used by civilian watchdog groups to help law enforcement combat these crimes. It raises important questions about the boundaries of such sting operations and how to balance public safety with individual rights.