I recently sat down with Donny Burgers, founder of NY Pred Hunters, to talk about how the organization started, how they operate, and what it’s like conducting predator stings across Long Island and beyond.
NY Pred Hunters is a Long Island–based group that conducts online decoy operations, posing as minors to expose adults who attempt to solicit them. According to Donny, they just completed their 25th catch before walking into my studio.
The team started small. It began with Donny doing the decoy work himself. Over time, his girlfriend began helping with filming and editing. They were later joined by others, including a local wrestler they met during one of their catches.
How It Started
Donny explained that his motivation traces back to his time in the military, when someone in his barracks was caught engaging in similar behavior. The experience left a lasting impact and pushed him toward following and eventually participating in predator-catching efforts.
He eventually connected with other Long Island groups, started assisting with decoy operations, and from there NY Pred Hunters was formed.
Arrests and Notable Cases
Donny says the group has been involved in arrests connected to New York, Florida, and Indiana. One of their most viewed cases involved confronting a Long Island bakery owner after conducting a lengthy undercover interaction. That case is reportedly headed toward a grand jury.
He also described a case involving a former district attorney employee in Levittown. While the individual was reportedly fired, Donny expressed frustration that the case did not result in prosecution.
Nassau vs. Suffolk
One of the more interesting parts of the conversation was about how different counties respond.
Donny described Nassau County as initially resistant but increasingly cooperative over time. He claims some departments now acknowledge that without the group’s decoy work, there may be no case to investigate.
Suffolk County, he suggested, has handled things differently depending on the town.
Content vs. Cause
I asked him directly whether he would continue this work without social media.
His answer was immediate: yes.
He acknowledged that some groups operate in a more content-driven way but insisted NY Pred Hunters aims to stay focused on the mission rather than online growth.
What’s Next
The organization hopes to eventually become a nonprofit and expand operations. Donny says the goal is to focus entirely on catching predators and advocating for legal changes in New York.
Whether people agree with their tactics or not, there’s no denying that groups like NY Pred Hunters are part of a growing national conversation about online safety, vigilantism, and the evolving role of social media in criminal exposure.
Donny’s Links
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/nypredhunters/
YouTube – NY Predator Hunters – YouTube