Video Vigilante Videos Top 1-Million Views in Only 6 Months

5/6/07 -- OKC, OK - In just over 6-months time, over 1-million people have viewed videos shot by Brian Bates, aka the Video Vigilante and founder of JohnTV.com.

In October of 2006, JohnTV.com began publishing videos on the popular Internet video sharing Web site YouTube under the username VideoVigilanteOKC.

As of this morning, YouTube calculates that Bates' videos have been viewed just over 1-million times.

Bates currently has 43 videos on YouTube and adds videos on a regular basis.

According to YouTube, the most viewed top 5 videos by Bates are;

1. Man Picks Up Hooker and Has Sex in Public Park (120,000+ views).
2. Man Has Sex with Street Hooker Behind Church (108,000+ views).
3. Biker has sex with hooker next to building (107,000+ views).
4. Hooker and 'John' Busted in Store Parking Lot (100,000+ views).
5. Prostitute Near School Bus Stop (82,000+ views).

Bates lists his 5 'must see' videos so far as;

1. Prostitution in Oklahoma City - Robinson Minute 03/2007 (9,000+ views).
2. Segment from Video Vigilantes Special (470+ views).
3. Hypocrisy of Oklahoma City Vice - Caught in a Lie! (31,000+ views).
4. Interview with Yvonne; Oklahoma Street Prostitute (30,000+ views).
5. Interview with "Fire," a Street Prostitute (16,000+ views).

Bates says it is no surprise that his list of his favorite videos is different than what most of his viewers are watching.

"Unfortunately, the videos of people actually getting caught having sex with a street prostitute are far more popular that the one's that deliver an obvious message about the plight of prostitutes and neighborhoods held hostage by their presence," said Bates.

Bates says it is that very reason that he shoots his graphic videos and publishes them online.

"I can tell people there are hookers working our street corners, having sex in our parks and grocery store parking lots. I can explain that they discard their used condoms and drug needles for our children to find. And, I can try and convince them that the pimps, hookers and their 'Johns' pose a real danger to families and businesses. But, when I show them the videos, they see it for themselves and they can no longer deny its presence," said Bates.

Bates says that if people come to his Web site to see the 'graphic videos' he is okay with that. "My goal is to initiate dialogue on the subject of prostitution. Hopefully through that dialogue solutions will be realized. Whatever a person's reason for visiting my site, it is not as important to me as what they leave with. I know that you cannot leave without being exposed to the graphic realities of prostitution that must be addressed and dealt with," said Bates.

Bates' videos have gained him and his activism notoriety since he first picked up his video camera in 1996.

Bates says that while some may question his motives in filming acts of street prostitution he says it is all worth it.

"Prostitution has been in our society from the beginning. In that time there have been literally thousands of outspoken anti-prostitution activists. While the names of madams such as Heidi Fleiss and Deborah Jeane Palfrey (DC Madam) may be household names, I defy most Americans to name a single anti-prostitution activist," said Bates.

Bates says he is using his camera to shed light on the myths of prostitution and show it for what it really is. "Reality television doesn't get any more real than what I see with my own eyes and lens," said Bates.

While Bates and his crusade against street prostitution may not have made him as recognizable a name as those who would have you believe prostitution is simply a misunderstood profession, Bates' efforts have gained worldwide attention.

Bates argues that since he picked up his camera, over 10-years ago, there has not been another individual who has been featured more by the media for video vigilantism and anti-street prostitution efforts.

OKC Vice Outed as Incompetent and Former D.A. Lane Proved to be a Liar - FOX25 EXCLUSIVE

5/4/07 -- OKC, OK - As previously reported, jurors who unanimously acquitted local attorney Mike Gassaway said they did so because it was obvious Gassaway had been setup by members of the Oklahoma City Vice Unit. As published in the Daily Oklahoman... "There was little debate Tuesday as an Oklahoma County jury decided attorney Mike Gassaway was not guilty of soliciting sex from a client. 'It was an easy decision,' juror Roxy Hakin said after the three-man, three-woman panel deliberated for about half an hour. Hakin, 26, said jurors were swayed by defense attorney Scott Adams' argument that the 56-year-old Oklahoma City attorney was set up by police." A the center of the prosecution's case were two taped recordings, secretly made by confidential informant Christina Davidson. The police, prosecutors and former Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane proclaimed to the public that those recordings would be Gassaway's undoing. In reality, it was those very recordings that proved Gassaway's allegation that he had been targeted and setup by a vindictive and incompetent OKC Vice Unit and former D.A. Lane. The reason? Gassaway is often critical of city leaders and has taken legal action against the city and police in the past. To add insult to injury, Vice's own confidential informant and witness for the prosecution (Davidson) had secretly double-crossed vice and was wearing her own wire when she met with them. Police allegedly call Gassaway a "scum bag," "a bad lawyer," and even "Satan." Oklahoma City Vice officers go so far as to tell Davidson she would be their "hero if she helped get Gassaway." And who are the Vice officers at the center of this case of incompetence? Officers Jason Hodges and Christopher (Chris) Swanson. Officers can even been heard to ask Davidson, "Did you get sassy with him [Gassaway]?" As FOX25 News pointed out in their recent exclusive follow-up story, when Gassaway was arrested, then Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane blatantly told several lies to the public. Lane's lies were an attempt to gain public support while serving to embarrass Gassaway and deprive him of a fair trial. Former D.A. Lane, who calls himself the 'Minister of Justice,' began spinning his lies from the day of Gassaway's arrest. In a statement released to the media, Lane made several assertions. "This female [Davidson] had originally been arrested by another law enforcement agency on a routine traffic stop at which time drug paraphernalia was found in her car." In reality, Davidson was not "stopped" at all. OHP responded to a citizen call of a woman passed out behind the wheel of her car that was on the side of the highway. More importantly, Davidson had much more on her than simple "drug paraphernalia." Davidson admitted to police she had recently done drugs and was in possession of cocaine and meth. Furthermore, Davidson was not even "arrested," as stated by Lane. Though Davidson could have been charged with numerous felony crimes, she was driven home and tucked into bed by police after she agreed to help them setup Gassaway. "Without any promises made to her..." Again, Lane refuses to let the facts get in the way of a good story to the public. In reality, Davidson testified that she was promised she would not face any charges for driving high, and being in the possession of drugs if she helped police. Additionally, Davidson testified that OKC Vice told her they would take care of her boyfriends latest felony DUI charge. "Finally, on the night of his arrest, Mr. Gassaway and his attorney, Scott Adams, claimed that Gassaway was nothing other than the innocent victim of my office and the Oklahoma City Police Department." Seems those assertions by Gassaway and Adams were justified by the jurors acquittal and subsequent comments to the media. "In response to Mr. Gassaway and his lawyer's claim that the only guilty people in this matter work for me and the police, I'll just say this - This entire matter was recorded and real men don't make excuses and they don't blame other people for their own moral failures. I would encourage Mr. Adams and Mr. Gassaway to stop blaming other people and start excepting some responsibility." JohnTV.com's only response to this arrogant statement by the "Minister of Justice" is that we encourage Lane to "start accepting responsibility" and admit to what was so painfully obvious to the jurors and citizens of Oklahoma County - the same citizens that saw through your B.S. and voted you out of office last year - you are an evil, self-absorbed man and a hypocrite to your faith you wear so pompously on your sleeve. The Gassaway case is a blatant example of how Oklahoma City Vice, with the full knowledge and encouragement of the D.A.'s office, are willing and able to use their trusted position in society to enforce their will over enforcing the law. Read more about Oklahoma City Vice in our ongoing investigative article "the seedy side of vice." You can also watch another example of Vice's willingness to lie and deceive the public by clicking here.

Eight Arrested for Prostitution; Vice Lies to Media

7/25/06 (edited 4/15/07) -- Oklahoma County - Undercover vice sting last July results in arrests in South Oklahoma City for prostitution related charges. Unfortunately, that success is tainted by lies told by Oklahoma City vice to the media covering the arrests. According to the Oklahoma County jail blotter, the following were booked into jail;

1. Krystal R. Cleghorn White female DOB: 9/25/83 Chickasaw, OK Charges: Trespassing on private property and failure to appear on a prostitution charge in Canadian County.
2. Rhonda Lynn Crites (arrested as Rhonda Lynn Cole) White female DOB: 2/5/70 OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
3. Johnny Nunez Garcia Mexican male DOB: 11/13/79 OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
4. Tonya Marie Grummons White female DOB: 2/12/75 Drumright, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
5. Laura Marie Adair (arrested as Laura Marie Justus) White female DOB: 8/6/61 OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage and fugitive from justice.
6. Jason Glenn Kaufman White male DOB: 2/25/64 OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
7. Jesus Magallans Mexican male DOB: 4/2/83 OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
8. Lam Nguyen Asian male DOB: 9/25/59 OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.

JohnTV.com was in the area when the arrests went down on South Robinson Ave.

South Robinson Ave. has been the subject of numerous citizen complaints over the years.

Following Oklahoma City vice officers was local news station FOX25.

FOX25 interviewed several of the arrested prostitutes and Vice Lieutenant Doug Kimberlin.

During the interview, Lt. Kimberlin explained that his unit does more than simply arrest prostitutes. Kimberlin claimed that he puts the arrested prostitutes in touch with organizations that can help get them off the streets. Specifically, Lt. Kimberlin claimed they put them in touch with religious organizations and women's organizations. Kimberlin went so far as to say "we've done way more than eliminate the prostitution... we've hopefully given someone a better life."

We here at JohnTV.com knew better.

Within days of the sting, most of the women arrested were back on the street once again prostituting.

JohnTV.com's own Brian Bates, aka the Video Vigilante, interviewed one of the arrested prostitutes and questioned her on Lt. kimberlin's claims.

Rhonda Crites, 37, confirmed what Bates already knew - Oklahoma City vice is more concerned out public appearance than actually addressing the problem.

Crites explained that none of Lt. Kimberlin's claims of aid, much less "a better life," were true.

See video below for the proof.

Mike Gassaway 'Not Guilty!' - Jury Sends Message to Vice and Prosecution

4/11/07 -- OKC, OK - High profile and often controversial local defense attorney Mike Gassaway was found not guilty yesterday evening by a jury in Oklahoma County. Jury swayed by evidence of a set-up by Oklahoma City vice. Readers will recall that Gassaway was charged March 7, 2006 with the misdemeanor crime of soliciting prostitution from the girlfriend of a client in exchange for a reduction in legal fees. From the onset we here at JohnTV.com have stood firm that Gassaway was the victim of overzealous vice detectives and then Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane. JohnTV.com was in the courtroom every minute as the evidence and arguments were presented by the prosecution and defense. Prosecutor Sandra Elliot asserted that Gassaway was guilty of soliciting prostitution when he agreed to exchange $300 in legal services for oral sex from the girlfriend of a client. Elliot proclaimed that two audio taped conversations between Gassaway and the female police informant would clearly prove Gassaway's guilty. The defense argued the tapes told a completely different story and proved Gassaway was targeted by Oklahoma City vice. Gassaway's attorney, Scott Adams (or as we like to call him 'Super-Fly Adams') admitted to the jury that his client may have done some immoral, unprofessional and disgusting things, but they did not rise to the level of being criminal. Only three witnesses were called to testify and their testimony is summarized as follows; Christina Davidson: Davidson testified that she had hired Gassaway to defend her boyfriend (Luther Blankenship) on his fourth felony DUI. Davidson testified that Gassaway had never acted inappropriate to her until the police became involved and she solicited him. Davidson testified that after hiring Gassaway she was detained by OHP and found to be in possession of cocaine, meth and drug paraphernalia. She told the police she had heard a rumor from a friend (Marquette) that Gassaway would trade sex for legal services. Police and prosecutors elected to not pursue felony drug charges against Davidson if she would aid them in getting Gassaway arrested for a single misdemeanor. Davidson also revealed that she did not trust the police and that she in fact secretly audio taped them when she met with them. That tape allegedly showed that the police and vice officers had a bias against Gassaway and had referred to him as a "scum bag, the anti-Christ, and a bad lawyer." Police allegedly went so far as to tell Davidson she would be their "hero" if she could help them get Gassaway. Davidson testified that she actually made the offer to Gassaway to trade sex for legal services and not the other way around. Jason Hodges: Hodges was a vice officer at the time of Gassaway's arrest. Hodges testified to assisting in the arrest of Gassaway. It was during Hodges's testimony that the jury (and vice) learned Davidson had made her own audio recording of the police. Once the possibility of an audio recording was made apparent, Hodges's memory suddenly went out the window and he kept passing the buck to another officer, Chris Swanson. Christopher "Chris" Swanson: Swanson, another vice officer, probably made the biggest negative impact for the prosecution. Swanson refused to admit to anything that would even slightly cast a negative light on his investigation and arrest of Gassaway. So much so that he appeared to be lying. When Adams simply asked Swanson to acknowledge that when Davidson asked Gassaway if she could be on the "Marquette Plan" that, that meant blow jobs for legal services. Swanson actually played it off as if he had no idea what that meant and that for all he knew, Gassaway wanted her to clean his office and not sex. The jury however was unimpressed and visibly shook their heads at Swanson's refusal to be truthful. Despite a very impassioned prosecution by ADA Sandra Elliot, it is JohnTV.com's opinion that the jury could not look past the obvious bias of police and their willingness to enforce their will over enforcing the law. The jury deliberated only 30 minutes before returning a not guilty verdict. As a side note, it was refreshing to see current Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater to go over and shake the hands of the defense team and Gassaway himself. (return to JohnTV.com)

Prostitute and 'John' Foil Vice Sting

3/21/07 -- OKC, OK - Oklahoma City Vice stage sting to net street prostitutes; Prostitute and local business owner allegedly foil vice's efforts. Last Friday afternoon members of the Oklahoma City Vice Unit conducted a street prostitution sting near SE 44th and S. Byers. In response to citizen complaints, male undercover officers were in the area attempting to arrest soliciting female prostitutes. Only one prostitute, Angela Denise Clemons, 39, was arrested, though at least 7 additional prostitutes were witnessed soliciting in the area. According to one prostitute working that day, vice's efforts were thwarted from the beginning by a local business owner who pointed the sting out to her. JohnTV.com's own Brian Bates, aka the Video Vigilante, was in the area and caught the alleged 'John' business owner and prostitute on tape. Later, the prostitute admitted to Bates what had actually happened. According to Kemala "Kim" G. Brown, 44, she was picked up by a white male driving a dark pickup truck. Brown told Bates that the driver owned the commercial property where vice officers had staged their takedown area and processing. As the driver was taking Brown past his property he noticed vice behind his building and Clemons in custody. Brown said the driver called his business and asked an employee to checkout what was going on. The employee told the driver it was a vice sting. Brown said the driver became upset because police had not asked his permission to be on his property. Brown said the driver then took her to SE 48th and Byers and dropped her off - telling her he would be back to date her "after midnight." Brown said she then warned the other prostitutes of vice's presence, Clemons's arrest and takedown location. Within minutes the area was deserted and hundreds of tax dollars and police officer's time wasted. *Note: JohnTV.com has intentionally withheld the name of the business and its address because this location is often used by police.

Seedy Side of Vice II: Recent Arrests Show Disturbing Trend

Making a case or cause for concern? 4/29/06 (updated 5/2/06) -- Oklahoma City, OK - Public records recount each and every prostitution arrest in Oklahoma County. A closer look shows a disparity between street prostitution arrests and private escort arrests; One that is a cause for concern. JohnTV.com reviews arrest reports, probable cause affidavits and other public records on a daily basis. While reviewing these records we've noticed a disturbing trend. While street prostitutes are often placed under arrest and successfully prosecuted for simply offering to engage in a lewd act, often, the more attractive private escorts are encouraged by police to undress, touch and even masturbate in front of male undercover officers prior to their arrest. Police say their actions are necessary to make a case, JohnTV.com speculates the line between enforcing the law, making a case and indulging one's own deviance gets arguably blurry. JohnTV.com first reported on these questionable tactics September 16 of last year.

In that case we shined a light on the case of convicted Dallas escort Amber Kay Sears, 21. Sears was arrested June 3 of last year after being contacted via email by an undercover Oklahoma City vice officer and lured to Oklahoma City for a sexual encounter. Sears was brought to OKC by her husband Nelson Sears, 24.

According to court records, Sears agreed to an hour of "anything but anal" for $270. The entire transaction; advertisement, solicitation, procurement and planned sex was to take place completely behind closed doors and away from the knowledge and sensitivities of the general public. Even though police records clearly show that Sears had broke the law when she told the officer he would be required to wear a condom and that she was willing to perform any sex act other than anal for the paid $270, the officers did not make an arrest at that point. Instead, the undercover officer instructed Sears to take off her clothing and then masturbate in front of the undercover officer (isn't it nice to know what your tax dollars will get you these days).

Sears pled guilty to felony charges including computer crimes (those naughty emails back and forth), offering to engage in prostitution, and maintaining a house of prostitution last September. Amber was given a five year deferred sentence, required to be evaluated for drugs and alcohol, and fines and court costs in excess of $1,600.

Did all this effort by Oklahoma City Vice and all the tax dollars spent by Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane to prosecute Sears teach her a lesson, rehabilitate her criminal ways and cause us all to sleep better at night?

You can judge for yourself by clicking here and here. (Update 5/2/06: Obviously Amber, aka "Candie," is a fan of JohnTV.com. Within hours of JohnTV.com posting links to her active escort Internet sites she pulled the one she actually has control of [second link]. Most likely for fear it would prove she is in violation of her felony suspended sentence. Worry not, we here at JohnTV are very thorough. You can see Amber's site as it appeared [we edited out the pages with nudity] by clicking here [.pdf document]. If we here at JohnTV wanted Amber's suspended sentence accelerated to prison time, we'd have posted links to her other "escort" ads, reviews and Yahoo group which have begun to appear on other forums. It's amazing the links people will send us!)

Would it not have served a much greater good to have spent those same tax dollars fighting street prostitution which is rampant in South Oklahoma City? Prostitution that literally holds entire neighborhoods hostage. Instead, Oklahoma City Vice continually chooses to waste tax dollars fighting a segment of prostitution that is not seen nor complained about by the public at large.

Oh wait a minute... they also get free sex shows with your tax dollars - silly us!

In recent weeks JohnTV.com has noticed Oklahoma City Vice's 'policy of perversion' continues unabated.

in this episode of the "Seedy Side of Vice" we will look at the cases of Marci Edgin and Jamie Murcek.

Edgin, 51, was arrested October 5 of last year by members of Oklahoma City vice.

According to court records, an undercover officer contacted Edgin after seeing an ad she had placed for massage services in Night Shift Magazine.

Edgin, using the name "Charlie," quoted a rate of $100 for a 45-minute massage and instructed the officer to come to her residence at the Lakeview Tower Apartments.

At about 7:30pm the officer arrived and was greeted by Edgin, who was wearing "a small white piece of lingerie."

Edgin collected the $100 and took the officer to a bedroom containing a massage table.

The officer undressed and Edgin began to give him a massage.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the officer stated that "he liked to watch a woman masturbate ... then asked [Edgin] if she would masturbate for him."

Only after getting his free show did the officer ask Edgin for oral sex. Edgin agreed and was taken into custody.

The report failed to mention where the now naked undercover officer kept his badge and handcuffs.

Edgin was charged with a felony, convicted earlier this month and sentenced to one-year suspended.

Murcek, 27, from Omaha, NB was arrested April 3rd.

According to court records, Murcek had placed an ad offering "escort" services on the Internet site CraigsList.com last March.

Undercover officers contacted Murcek via email and agreed to meet at the Super 8 Motel in South Oklahoma City for an hour of "escort" services for the agreed price of $250.

At about 5:00pm the undercover officer arrived at the hotel room and was instructed to place the $250 on the nightstand. Murcek told the officer she had brought condoms.

Both the officer and Murcek got undressed.

Murcek produced "a pink phallic vibrator and began to masturbate."

Only after "performing" for the naked undercover officer was Murcek placed under arrest.

Murcek, charged with a felony, is currently awaiting a court date.

JohnTV.com brings these three cases to the public's attention because they (and dozens of similar examples) stand in stark contrast to street prostitution arrests.

Page after page of escort related police reports recount tales of masturbation, gropping, naked cuddling and other indecent acts at tax payer expense with undercover Oklahoma City police officers.

After literally going through hundreds of public records we have found no police reports which detail, the often less attractive, street prostitutes being encouraged, or even allowed, to undress, fondle or masturbate themselves or the undercover officer.

JohnTV.com asks, why would the criteria for making a case against a street prostitute be so different than that of a private escort?

Many would argue that prostitution in any form is often a direct result of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. At the very least it is a demeaning act by any standard.

Should we as a society allow our city, county or state law enforcement officers to engage in acts of victimization in the name of enforcing the law. Especially when the "criminals" are engaged in acts kept 100% behind closed doors and are not the topic of public outcry for relief?

The "Seedy Side of Vice" will be an ongoing effort to expose our city's "policies of perversion."

D.A. Lane Press Release Regarding Gassaway Arrest

Date: March 7, 2006 Media statement from Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane regarding the Mike Gassaway arrest. Approximately one week ago the Oklahoma City Vice unit was directed to a female who said she knew Mike Gassaway would trade out his legal services in return for sex with female clients. This female had originally been arrested by another law enforcement agency on a routine traffic stop at which time drug paraphernalia was found in her car. Otherwise this person had no prior criminal record on her. Without any promises made to her she made known the name of a prostitute to the Vice Unit who she claimed to have had this sexual arrangement with Gassaway in the past. She also advised police that her boyfriend had already hired Gassaway to represent him in a felony DUI case and that she had been bringing cash payments to Gassaway's office on her boyfriend's legal fee's which was of course perfectly legal. She offered to approach Gassaway to see if he would be interested in making a trade of sex for legal services. The Vice Unit put a body microphone on her and she then met with Gassaway last Wednesday at which time she represented to him that her and her boyfriend had no more money and that she would like to make a trade with him as her female friend had. She then named the friend and Gassaway expressed his willingness to do that and told her to come back the next afternoon to as he put it "working that program." The next afternoon, the female informant, with a microphone returned, at which time Gassaway invited her into his office, locked the door and they then negotiated in the amount of three hundred dollars being credited to her boyfriend's account for every time she preformed oral sex on Gassaway. Gassaway ultimately pulled his pants down, and about that time the police began pounding at the door. The police having been monitoring the phone or the conversation, Gassaway opened the door and was videotaped with his belt undone and his shirt hanging out his fly. He was then placed under arrest. Today I am filling charges on John Michael Gasaway for the misdemeanor crime of offering to engage in an act of prostitution. This crime carries as a penalty of up to one year in a county jail, and or a fine up to $25 hundred dollars. Under the law, offering to engage essentially means someone else has offered someone else money in exchange for a sex act. The public should also know that allegations of this kind are not only criminal in nature but violation of ethical rules governing the conduct of lawyers in our profession. The Oklahoma Supreme Court makes these rules and the lawyers working full time for the bar association enforcing those laws. The public should know that over 90 percent of practicing lawyers have never had a complaint made against them. Since his arrest, there have been several women who have called both the police and the bar association concerning Mr. Gassaway. If you have information concerning these or similar allegations against Mr. Gassaway, we would ask that you call Crime stoppers at 235-7300 and an officer will discuss this with you. Finally, on the night of his arrest, Mr. Gassaway and his attorney, Scott Adams, claimed that Gassaway was nothing other than the innocent victim of my office and the Oklahoma City Police Department. They claimed that the reason he got arrested was because, "we continue to come after him." They also accused that our 130 pound female informant forcibly unbuckled Gassaway's belt all against his will. In response to Mr. Gassaway and his lawyer's claim that the only guilty people in this matter work for me and the police, I'll just say this - This entire matter was recorded and real men don't make excuses and they don't blame other people for their own moral failures. I would encourage Mr. Adams and Mr. Gassaway to stop blaming other people and start excepting some responsibility."