Social Media Vigilante Akylon Benson Arrested in Waco After Allegedly Detaining Innocent Man in Fake Predator Sting

WACO, TX — Akylon Benson, a 23-year-old social media personality and self-styled “journalist,” was arrested on May 6, 2025, following mounting concerns over his actions as the executive director of a controversial vigilante group known as “Waco PED Patrol.” The group, which claimed to expose suspected child predators through social media stings, is now under intense scrutiny as authorities investigate its tactics and potential legal violations.

According to McLennan County court documents and jail records, Benson is facing a charge of unlawful restraint stemming from a disturbing incident in which he allegedly lured and detained a man under false pretenses during a live-streamed “sting” operation.

The group, which Benson founded and managed on Facebook, engaged in practices similar to other vigilante organizations across the country, often using “decoy” accounts posing as minors to entrap individuals. These confrontations were broadcast live, purportedly to expose alleged predators but also, according to investigators, to generate online traffic and revenue.

In a sworn affidavit, detectives from the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office described a pattern of behavior that had become increasingly aggressive, including restricting individuals’ movements, confronting them in public, and livestreaming armed encounters. In one such video shared on April 16, the group claimed to have “caught a pedophile,” broadcasting the incident on social media with no verified law enforcement involvement.

The incident that led to Benson’s arrest involved a man who was allegedly contacted under the guise of meeting a 23-year-old male on a dating app. Upon arriving at the meeting location, the man — who suffers from documented psychological and medical conditions — realized he had been deceived when Benson appeared instead. The victim, afraid for his safety, entered Benson’s car and was reportedly driven around Waco for approximately 20 minutes before being interrogated under the Herring Avenue bridge in Cameron Park.

Throughout the encounter, Benson made accusations, displayed pepper spray, and directed the man’s movements, including forcing him to call his mother on speakerphone while Benson accused him of inappropriate online activity. Investigators say Benson never provided any proof of wrongdoing and repeatedly made coercive statements, threatening legal consequences unless the man sought counseling.

“Benson is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency,” the detective wrote, emphasizing that his actions exceeded the bounds of citizen engagement and ventured into unlawful detention and intimidation.

Detectives conducted a forensic examination of the alleged victim’s phone and found no evidence of communication with any minors, as Benson claimed. The victim also told authorities he was “catfished” by a fake profile and had been manipulated into the encounter, fearing for his life due to his medical condition and Benson’s armed demeanor.

Benson’s arrest has reignited debate over so-called “predator catcher” groups operating independently of law enforcement. While some have applauded such groups for attempting to protect children, many legal experts warn these unregulated efforts can lead to dangerous confrontations, wrongful accusations, and violations of civil rights.

As of now, Benson remains in custody at the McLennan County Jail with a bond set at $20,000. Authorities are continuing to investigate the broader operations of the Waco PED Patrol group, which may lead to additional charges or legal action.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unauthorized vigilantism — even when masked as justice.