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The Maryland Democratic Party removed volunteer Michael Knaapen from a leadership position after an online vigilante group published a video of sexually explicit messages he admitted exchanging with someone he thought was a minor. Knaapen was listed as the chair of the state Democratic Party’s LGBTQ+ Diversity Leadership Council but was removed following the accusations. The Maryland Democratic Party stated that they take all accusations seriously and that Knaapen is no longer affiliated with the party.
The online vigilante group, Predator Poachers, published a video confronting Knaapen in a restaurant about the graphic messages he allegedly sent to a teenager. The group also sent information to the police, who are working with external law enforcement agencies to investigate the allegations.
Predator Poachers has been involved in previous arrests, including one in Florida earlier this year. However, there have been criticisms of the group’s methods, with some arguing that it may not result in prosecutable cases and could be dangerous.
Overall, the incident involving Knaapen highlights the role that online vigilante groups are playing in exposing alleged wrongdoings, but also raises concerns about the legality and effectiveness of their tactics.
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Photo credit www.thebaltimorebanner.com
