Kamloops deputy sheriff facing 4 child-sex charges after Creep Hunters sting

A Kamloops deputy sheriffhas been charged withfourchild-sex-related countsstemming from an investigation that was launched after avigilante group claimed itcaught him engaging in an online sexual relationship with a person he thought was a 14-year-old girl.

Kevin Johnston is facingthree counts of communicating witha person believed to be underage for the purpose of facilitating a sexual offenceand one count of invitation to sexual touching according to theB.C Criminal Justice Branch.

The news release says the alleged offences occurred between Aug. 8 and Aug. 27 of this year.

Kelowna'sCreep Huntersclaims it ensnared Johnston after he responded toa Craiglist ad posted by the group representing itself as a 14-year-old girl.

Video uploaded to Facebook shows Creep Huntersmembers confrontinga man in a car in aKelownaparking lot theyclaimis Johnston.

Creep HuntersleaderMitchell Shelswell told CBC News the charges against Johnston are "our first charges being laid."

He said Creep Huntersformed four months ago to"save children from predators."

According to the Criminal Justice Branch, Johnston is no longer employed with the B.C. Public Service.

His first court appearance is scheduled for Oct.20inKelownaProvincial Court.

The charges against Johnston comeon the heels of news an RCMP officer could be facing charges in a similar vigilante group sting in Surrey.

Police have repeatedly warned thatvigilante groups such as Creep Catchers and Creep Hunters risk doing more harm than good.

With files from Samantha Garvey