An accurate profile of Internet pedophiles remains elusive, McLaughlin says, as does research on differences between Internet and traditional tactics of exploitation. Ten percent of McLaughlin's arrests involve suspects with prior convictions for molestation or child pornography. Fifty percent had ready access to children. By the time molesters are caught, most have assaulted an average of 150 to 200 children. And they aren't dirty old men, McLaughlin says.
Consequences can be severe.
Stage, at 15 a minor himself, is charged with aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. Both are free, pending trial. Though finding Internet pedophiles may not be hard, it is controversial. Some call it entrapment to pose as a child to set up phony encounters. McLaughlin calls it fair play.