Wednesday, February 19th 2025, 7:41 pm
A Yukon teacher is under investigation after a group that’s dedicated to tracking down child predators confronted him at his home.
The incident was captured on video. The viral video has drawn attention from concerned parents and the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Teacher: Who am I talking to that's a child?
OPP member: Who are you talking to that's a child? That's why we're here to talk to you
The teacher who has not been arrested or charged is no longer in the classroom.
Yukon Public Schools announced Monday he was placed on leave and under investigation.
The teacher — who we are not identifying — was at home when Oklahoma Predator Prevention came knocking.
Goodwin: We’re with Oklahoma Predator Prevention. We want to talk about who you’re talking to online. You got two options, you can talk with us, or we can call police.
I know your profession — you don’t want that to go nowhere, right?
In the video provided by Oklahoma Predator Prevention, the teacher is seen allowing members of OPP — including its founder Russell Goodwin — into his home.
Once inside, Goodwin accuses the teacher of unwittingly reaching out online to an undercover OPP member who was pretending to be 15.
Goodwin: He said I’m younger than my profile says, I'm really 15.
A 6th-grade teacher at Independence Intermediate was not arrested or charged. However, OSDE Superintendent Ryan Walters issued a statement that said in part, “This incident is deeply concerning and highlights the need for continued vigilance in protecting our children from predatory behavior.”
Walters also said the matter was under investigation and that they were working with law enforcement.
“The days of the vans handing out candy to kids, those days are extinct. The internet is a predator’s playground,” said Goodwin.
Goodwin founded OPP 7 years ago.
“We've been getting convictions left and right throughout the State of Oklahoma,” he said.
While members of OPP hope to hold accused predators accountable, Goodwin says they're in no way vigilantes.
“I’m not there putting hands on them, they're free to leave anytime they want. Just like a news person would of someone walking out of jail, I’m just asking questions.”
Goodwin says by sounding the alarm, OPP hopes to draw attention to what he believes are lax laws.
“We got to get some laws changed on these guys. A lot of these guys are getting one to two years. That’s not enough time at all. They've got to get harsher sentences,” said Goodwin.
Goodwin admits not everyone is a fan of OPP's methods.
February 19th, 2025
March 17th, 2025
March 17th, 2025
March 17th, 2025
March 17th, 2025
March 17th, 2025