And so it begins...[/drama]

[xoxoxoBruce]

Verge

A sex worker in Oklahoma who was filmed using a quadcopter by a self-described "video vigilante" has pleaded guilty to a lewdness charge. According to a report from BBC News, the woman was sentenced to a year in state prison for the misdemeanor, although the case is still pending against her alleged client.

The encounter between the two was filmed by drone pilot Brian Bates, a known figure in Oklahoma City who describes himself as a "video vigilante." Bates has long used video cameras to capture footage of alleged sex workers, which he uploads to his YouTube channel and his website, JohnTV.com, earning money through ad revenue in the process.

Hmm, vigilante means good guy, right?

In an FAQ on his website, Bates says that he started filming because he believes it can protect women who have been victimized and forced into sex work, and shame those who exploit them. He says that he focuses only on sex work that takes place in public. "JohnTV doesn’t concern itself with prostitution that is 100 percent consensual, conducted completely behind closed doors and/or is not part of an organized criminal effort," says the FAQ.

Sounds pretty noble, but kind of a shame that girl got a year in prison.

Wait, what's this...

According to the below Oklahoma City Police Department report, Brian Bates, 34, orchestrated the public encounters so he could peddle the resulting videotape to media outlets (some of Bates's surveillance tapes are offered for sale on his web site).

In his dealings with prostitutes, Bates was choosy, investigators contend.

For example, if a john was a "regular," Bates asked prostitutes to give "specific signals" so he would know not to bother rolling tape. Investigators also noted that, like any good auteur, Bates "gave direction to the prostitutes on how to complete the act with a high probability of success," as well as tips on how to spot an undercover cop.

Bates was hit with a felony pandering charge and a misdemeanor count of aiding in prostitution. The pandering rap, which is usually reserved for pimps, carries a minimum two-year jail term, and a maximum of 20 years in the stir.

[sexobon]

I wonder if he's a registered drone operator. That's been an FAA requirement since the beginning of the year for noncommercial drones over 0.55 lbs. to something like 50 lbs. His drone with first person piloting video capability likely falls into that category.

I've got my FAA registration number. Penalties for criminal use of drones can be quite stiff under federal regulations.

[xoxoxoBruce]

He's making money with it so it's not noncommercial. He could have problems with the Feds also. I think the death penalty is appropriate, but wouldn't include his wife and children in this case... this case.