Following a disagreement with a citizen group that protects children from sexual predators, a central New York state news presenter was dismissed.

WETM’s Zach Wheeler, the news anchor, has been exchanging text messages with a 15-year-old youngster. The messages were sent by the 607 Predator Hunters, a group of three anonymous working fathers who monitor chat rooms and other internet locations for adults seeking to contact youngsters in the region.

Wheeler and the undercover investigator decided to meet at a sports goods store near the boy’s home, as evidenced in a video released by 607 Predator Hunters on April 29th. For the encounter, Wheeler drove three hours. When he arrived at the business, he was accosted by 607 Predator Hunters.

Wheeler first denied the contact was for sex, claiming it was for research purposes. When that failed, Wheeler accused the guys of homophobia and offered them money and radio time in exchange for not releasing the footage.

Wheeler was fired from WETM on Monday.

WETM was made aware of a video released on YouTube about one of our workers on Friday evening. According to the local group that shared the footage, the employee acted inappropriately. WETM management examined the video’s inquiries, and the employee was terminated from the company.

Unfortunately, many headlines and facts are being drowned out in the current abortion debate. The first is the incredible achievements of regular parents who protect their children in ways that law enforcement cannot or will not. While no one encourages vigilantism, there are occasions when there are no other options. 607 Predator Hunters are to be commended for standing up to a culture that typically despises men.