After further research, it is shown that Alex R and several stings in Ventura County are using current and/or retired providers acting in accordance with the vigilante to arrest hobbyists.  

This makes it clear that the stings are asking for penis pictures and to then speak sexually over the phone and/or texting requesting a sex agreement.  The vigilantes claim they are not committing entrapment by asking for a penis picture because they are not government and they are merely authorized by the government to kidnap and stalk citizens.