“Bikers Against Predators” aid in child pornography arrest

“Bikers Against Predators” is a vigilante motorcycle group based out of Indiana. 

By Olivia Peters 

Jason Giles, a 21-year-old Massachusetts resident was arrested on Thursday with child pornography charges. 

Giles has been under investigation by the non-profit group “Bikers Against Predators” since June. The group is made up of volunteers based out of Indiana who create social media profiles pretending to be minors to catch child predators. 

On Wednesday, a member of “Bikers Against Predators” who goes by the name Boots confronted Giles in his home in East Bridgewater. In a cellphone video recording of the interaction, Boots asked, “If I was to open your phone right now, would I see anything that I don’t want to see,” to which Giles responded “No. No, nothing.” 

During the confrontation, another member of “Bikers Against Predators” called the police who responded to the house and sized Giles’ phone as evidence. 

Giles’ first court date was on Friday. His phone as well as the video of his interaction with Boots is being used as evidence in the case. Giles’ lawyer claims he is on the autism spectrum and is unable to understand the significance of his actions. She told the court, “There are a lot of cognitive issues, mental health issues.” 

WBZ legal analyst Jennifer Roman explained to WBZ-TV that although the “victim” was not actually a minor, Giles’ intent is what really matters to the prosecution. Roman stated, “He just has to believe that the person who he’s communicating with is a child and take steps that are criminal.” 

The judge has set Giles’ bail at $10,000 and ordered that he be under home confinement with no contact with minors until his next court date.