A social media influencer known for posting “predator catcher” videos has been arrested after allegedly forcing a suspect to eat a used cigarette butt on camera.
Jay Carnicom, who built a following by confronting people he claims are targeting children, was taken into custody last week.
He now faces an extortion charge following an incident that was reportedly filmed and shared online.
READ MORE: Former tennis world number one sways outside bar as police quiz him after argument
Investigators allege Carnicom tried to force a man to eat cigarette butts while recording the confrontation, threatening to report him to police if he refused.
Carnicom was arrested in Clay County, Florida, and the case remains active, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by Need To Know.
Officials say the incident shines a spotlight on growing concerns around vigilante-style content circulating online.
Authorities have warned that while such videos can rack up huge views, they risk undermining proper criminal investigations.
Police say building a prosecutable case requires strict legal procedures, which can be compromised by public confrontations.
They also raised concerns that this kind of content may be driven by online engagement, such as views and subscribers, rather than formal justice.
In a statement shared with News4JAX, the sheriff’s office stressed that only trained law enforcement officers should carry out investigations into child exploitation.
They added that actions by private individuals do not meet the legal threshold required for arrests or evidence gathering.
Officials are urging the public to report concerns directly to police, rather than attempting to intervene themselves.
READ MORE: Brit on boozy Benidorm trip ‘pepper sprayed’ by bouncers
