Ithaca police are investigating a report that a man traveled to the city to engage in sexual activity with an underage girl, according to a news release from the department.
Officers located the man, but no child was present or in danger, police said.
Police were dispatched to the Green Street parking garage at about 12:34 p.m. Saturday after a citizen-run decoy operation reported the incident.
The case remains an active criminal investigation.
The department said it understands that the group involved and similar organizations intend to protect children, but it does not encourage individuals or groups to conduct these operations.
Such operations could lead to confrontations that endanger the public and the groups conducting them, police warned.
The department also cautioned that failing to follow proper investigative procedures and legal standards could hinder successful prosecution.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police dispatch at 607-272-3245, police administration at 607-272-9973 or the police tipline at 607-330-0000.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Ithaca Police Department tip form.
Information about suspected online exploitation can be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children through its CyberTipline or by calling 800-843-5678.
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