Internet Sex Crimes

Florida readers may have heard about recent stories involving Internet sex crimes, such as online stalking or solicitation. However, new research suggests that teenage girls may be particularly at risk for these crimes.The research didn't disclose the reason for that...

Under Florida state law, sex offenders and sexual predators are usually required to give authorities their email addresses and screen names before using them in social network or other online sites. That information is then forwarded to the Florida Department of Law...

A Florida woman was recently arrested for her alleged involvement in a prostitution ring. The woman and her partner allegedly ran a prostitution ring that operated out of several apartments.The woman came under investigation by the Florida Department of Law...

Leaders in a Florida municipality are considering a new city ordinance which some residents feel is too aggressive. The law would require sexual offenders to stay at least 300 feet from many places where children gather within city limits, including bus stops,...

In previous posts, we've discussed various sting operations by Florida law enforcement. Such operations frequently target Internet sex crimes, using applications such as text messaging or chat rooms, and involve an undercover officer posing as a minor. Today's story...

A conviction for an Internet sex crime in Florida is a serious matter, and can have long-reaching impact on a person's career. It can be difficult to overcome any negative stigma or public reaction to an arrest -- even in the event the charges are later dropped or if...

A Florida man was recently arrested after Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents received a tip about the man's alleged computer chatting with a minor. Agents served a search warrant on the man's home, where they removed computers and hard drives. A search of...

Craigslist, a free online classified service, responded to the criticisms from advocacy groups and lawmakers by shutting down its adult advertisement section in 2010. The website Backpage.com, however, is standing firm. It has a financial incentive to do so, as the...

Social media commentators have coined a new phrase to describe Facebook users who collect as many friends as possible: friend collectors. People matching the description are believed to approve any friend request on the social media site -- regardless of whether they...

Many Florida readers might be surprised to learn that Facebook has an extensive technology for scanning postings and chats for Internet sex crimes. Suspicious conversations are automatically flagged for the review of Facebook employees. That technology was recently...