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22 July, 2006 Chatmag News.

The couple charged with assault and extortion claim they were "misunderstood" and that they were only trying to help alleged predators go straight.

Michael Barnett and his wife, Maria Catini, are charged with assault and extortion after their scheme to rob suspected online predators, an idea Barnett got while watching the Dateline NBC program, "To Catch A Predator".

In addition to Barnett and Catini, up to twenty two others face charges related to the scheme. Barnett had recruited a "posse" from Internet chat rooms to assist in their crimes.

Catini posed as an underage girl in chat rooms, and lured suspected predators to a meeting along a deserted road. The alleged predators were then met by Barnett and a group, armed with baseball bats, who demanded money and other valuables in exchange for not reporting the men to authorities.

The couple's computer has been taken to the Ohio state crime lab for analysis. In addition, Catini is an Italian citizen, and may face possible deportation.

Charges against others involved in the scheme and the alleged predators are pending.

--Chatmag News--

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