FORMER realtor Kuljinder Singh Bhatti, 37, of Burnaby has pleaded guilty to communicating to buy sex, but he will not be going to jail. He was initially charged with trying to buy sex with an underage girl.

He received a one-year conditional sentence and a $500 fine. His release conditions include a curfew and a ban on contacting anyone under the age of 18.

He has to submit a DNA sample and register as a sex offender for 10 years.

On April 3, police received a complaint about child luring and an investigation was undertaken immediately by Surrey RCMP Special Victim’s Unit. Investigators arrested Bhatti on April 6.

Surrey RCMP announced on April 7 that they arrested one man after he allegedly tried to lure a minor for a sexual purpose, and for making an arrangement with a person for a sexual offence involving a person under the age of 18.

Meanwhile, Surrey Creep Catchers President Ryan Laforge was arrested for reportedly assaulting Bhatti who was allegedly trying to solicit a six-year-old girl for sex.

In a video the group posted online, their vice president seemed to pose as the girl’s mother. Laforge ended up pinning the man against a wall.

Surrey RCMP Cpl. Scotty Schumann said in a statement at the time: “On April 3 at 6:40 p.m., Surrey RCMP responded to a call for service in the 10100-block of King George Boulevard. Allegations from two parties included child luring and assault. Surrey RCMP attended scene and reviewed not only eye witness accounts but also video depicting some of the incident.

“As a result of the initial attendance and after identifying all those involved, one person was arrested and later released from custody. Police are currently investigating the allegations from both parties and will conduct a thorough investigation.”

Schumann also noted at the time: “The Surrey RCMP does not support, condone, or recommend vigilantism. Vigilantism, no matter how well meaning, does not involve police, and therefore is void of ongoing safety considerations. Vigilantism is a risk to the safety of all those involved including victims, or potential victims, the alleged suspects, and / or the safety of those persons intent on broadcasting the suspected crime.

“We can confirm that Surrey RCMP was in contact with Mr. LaForge prior to this incident and an upcoming confrontation was discussed. However, no specifics were discussed, and any confrontation was discouraged by Surrey RCMP. Surrey RCMP advised, as we have in the past, that if there was any information and / or evidence available, that the matter needed to be reported, in order for it to be investigated by police.”