All articles tagged with #online grooming
A California judge denied Roblox's attempt to keep a lawsuit involving child exploitation allegations private, setting a precedent for other cases. The lawsuit was initiated by a father whose son was targeted by a predator on Roblox and Discord, highlighting concerns about online safety and platform accountability. Roblox plans to appeal the ruling, which emphasizes the importance of public trials for such cases.
North Carolina ranks ninth in the nation for human trafficking cases, prompting an awareness event in Raleigh where participants learned about the contributing factors such as substance use, mental health struggles, and domestic violence. Safe Place executive director Dawn Ferrer highlighted the vulnerability of the state due to its highway system, tourist industry, and military bases, with online grooming becoming a common method for the exploitation of boys. U.S. Attorney Michael Easley, Jr. emphasized the importance of rescuing and stabilizing victims, while Ferrer stressed the need for survivors to share their stories to aid in convicting exploiters.
A 22-year-old woman from Tampa, Florida, was arrested for allegedly posing as a home-school student and sexually assaulting a 12 to 15-year-old boy she met online. Alyssa Zinger was charged with lewd or lascivious battery and lewd or lascivious molestation. Tampa police suspect that there may be additional victims and urge anyone with information to come forward.
Two Columbus police officers are under investigation after a video went viral showing them apparently blaming an 11-year-old girl for creating "child porn" in a sexual misconduct case. The officers were seen talking to the girl's father, who had reported that a man online had manipulated his daughter into sending explicit pictures. In the video, the officers suggest that the girl could be charged with child pornography, despite the father's explanation that she was being manipulated by an adult. The Columbus Division of Police and the Department of the Inspector General are both investigating the incident.