Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

United States District Judge Mary S. Scriven scolded Patrick Connolly as she handed down a 30-year prison sentence in an Orlando, Florida Federal Court. Connolly, a former military contractor, pleaded guilty in January to one count of sexual exploitation of children. 30-years was the maximum sentence that Scriven could impose on Connolly, however, Scriven said she would have sentenced him to life if she could.

Connolly was convicted of hacking into girls' computers and forced them into making child pornography of themselves. One girl told authorities she was told her sister would be hurt unless she provided pornographic photographs of herself. Several complaints, similar to this one, filed by Brevard County girls led to a criminal investigation about 5 years ago. Investigators eventually arrested Ivory Dickerson, a North Carolina civil engineer. after detectives found over 1 million pornographic images on his computer. As part of his plea agreement, Dickerson pointed investigators toward Connolly. Dickerson was sentenced to 110 years in prison in Orlando Federal Court in December 2007. The FBI eventually arrested Connolly at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Victims of Connolly's extortion live in multiple states: Florida, Texas, Michigan, North Carolina, and Louisiana. One mother of a victim testified at Connolly's sentencing hearing that Connolly "entered their home through the Internet and spread like a cancer." One of his victims, a college student at the time of the extortion, testified that she felt like a prisoner. She stated that Connolly threatened her to not to move her web camera and keep her from going to class. To read more about this topic see Former military contractor (Patrick Connolly) sentenced to 30 years for sexual exploitation of children.

The Internet has brought significant changes into our society, especially concerning one's privacy. Parents need to restrict their children's access on the Internet. You can consult with your internet service provider regarding the basic steps to take to heighten your security on the Internet.

Social Networking, the Internet, Smart Phones, the Blackberry, the iPhone, and the laptop are all great tools. Unfortunately, there are many people out there who are using these tools and the associated technology to prey on children. A story reported in the Huffington Post and other news outlets involved a 14 year old girl who was seduced by a 44 year old man. It has been alleged that the man - Moses Virgil Campbell, Jr. - age 44 - had sex with the 14 year old girl. An investigation led to the location of the 14 year old girl underneath Mr. Campbell's bed . The intervention by the teen's mother led to the discovery of this inappropriate and illegal relationship. A cab company and driver also provided information to investigators that led to the arrest of Mr. Campbell. See Man Allegedly Used iPhone App to Meet; Have Sex with 14 Year Old Girl: FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

It was reported that Mr. Campbell met the 14 year old through a Social Networking site / program called i Date - an application for the iPhone. Mr. Campbell will be able to defend himself against these charges from a public defender or a private criminal defense lawyer. It may be a tough case to defend against the charges since there will be evidence in the form of electronic evidence. In addition, police found the teen underneath Mr. Campbell's. How is this going to be explained if it can be explained at all?

Parents should be aware of stories like these and take an opportunity to speak to their children and check on the Internet and Social Networking activity of their children.

In Florida and other States, sexual predators and offenders are using the Internet to try to victimize and molest children. Consenting adults can arrange for meetings, dates, and other relationships online; however, it is much different when a child is involved. Undercover investigators are doing their best to track down sexual predators and offenders who are specifically informed online that the person on the other end is a child. In some instances, the "child" is actually an undercover investigator. The text messages, chats, and e mails are all recorded and saved as evidence when there is a criminal prosecution or arrest made in these kind of cases. In Jacksonville, Florida it was reported that David Marshall Deal, age 24, was convicted of using the Internet to attempt to engage in sexual activity with a minor. The allegations in this case were that Mr. Deal was informed over the Internet that the "child" was 13 years old. During an arranged meeting with the "child", Mr. Deal brought condoms, a camera, and thong underwear. In cases like these, the intent of the criminal suspect is proven by the electronic evidence as well as the items brought to the meeting. You can read more about this story at Man Convicted of Crimes - Attempt to Entice a Child for Sex.

Public figures and broadcasters often times can see a career tarnished or ruined when a crime is committed. Jobs are lost and reputations are scarred. In Gainesville, Florida - home to the University of Florida, a former television and radio broadcaster pled guilty to charges of the receipt / distribution of child pornography. Steven Michael Babik, age 50, admitted to the charges that he downloaded images of child pornography.

The child pornography industry thrives only because there are consumers who buy or distribute the images. Children are victimized yet there are those out there who find it recreational to view images of children being harmed by others.

Investigators and police should continue their efforts to prosecute crimes involving any aspect of child pornography. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any near end or solution to end the ongoing abuse and neglect of child victimized by the child pornography industry and its participants. You can read more about this story at Former UF Broadcaster Pleads Guilty to Charges of Child Pornography.

In Florida, some teacher make headlines for great teaching or accomplishments in the community. Others make headlines when they get arrested and / or fired for having sex with students or inappropriate conduct with teachers. It is estimated that more than 175 teachers in Florida lost their licenses over the past 5 years for sexual misconduct / actions that ranged from sex to touching to inappropriate text messages and e mails. One such incident took place in Tamarac. Josie Stratton was a biology teacher at J.P. Taravella High School. While working as a teacher, she became involved with a "love" affair with a 17 year old student. This inappropriate relationship led the student to moving out of his house and marrying the teacher. The marriage lasted only 5 months. The State of Florida subsequently revoked the teacher's teaching certificate. This is one of many incidents that has tarnished the image of Florida schools and Florida's education system. Most teachers are great and very supportive of the children under their supervision and tutelage. It is a shame that a few "bad apples" use poor and selfish judgment which, in turn, is harmful to the child victim, the school, and the community. You can read more about this topic at Teachers and sex: Scores in Florida have lost jobs due to improper conduct with students.

Parents - do you know what your child is searching for on the Internet? You may be surprised to see what your tike / small child is searching for on the Internet. iMom is a website for mothers that covers a variety of topics. iMom posted the top 100 seaches by children. As you may or may not have expected, sex and porn were in the Top 5 along with You Tube. Children are curious and will explore the computer and Internet. As parents, teachers, and caregivers, we must supervise and monitor a child's use of the computer. There are child predators lurking out there in cyberspace just looking for their next victim. You can see the full list at Top 100 Searches by Children at the www.imom.com site.

In Florida and other States, there are school teachers out there who may pose a risk to our children. In Orange County Florida, a second grade teacher (Dale Chisena, Sr.) was arrested for child pornography charges. Chisena taught second grade at Lovell Elementary School for over 30 years. Investigators reported that Chisena and his son downloaded 1000 child pornography images on their respective computers. The computer Forensic evidence will be a key focus of the evidence against Chisena. Of course, he will have the right to representation from a Florida criminal defense lawyer or a public defender on these charges. It would appear that the number of downloads would be tough evidence to overcome or to explain that it was a mistake. The child pornography industry victimizes child over and over again. Those who pay for or even download it are part of this immoral industry. You can read more about this story at Bond Set for Teacher Accused of Having Child Pornography.

Text messages can also get you in trouble. In Winter Park, Florida, a former band teacher admitted that he sent inappropriate text messages to a student. Joel Moody, age 31, sent sexually suggestive text messages to the student. While it was reported that the student was 18 years old which is the age of majority or adulthood in Florida, the band teacher was in a position of trust and responsibility and should not have sent out these suggestive and inappropriate text messages. Band teachers and other educators have a duty to teach our children not to send out inappropriate text messages. Furthermore, text messaging and friendships between teacher and student often times lead to sexual contact and inappropriate and illegal relationships. Teachers should know the boundaries and should avoid committing any acts that are inappropriate or even have the appearance of impropriety. You can read more this story at Winter Park Band Director Admits to Sending Out Inappropriate Text Messages.

According to the Florida Attorney General’s CyberCrime Unit, Jason Richard Andes chatted twice online with an individual he believed to be a fourteen year old girl. Both times he asked the girl to meet him for sex. He also used his web cam to send nude images of himself to the undercover state investigator who was posing as the underage girl.

Andes was caught in a sting that had been planned in a joint effort by the Florida state CyberCrime unit, the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office, and the FBI. When a search warrant was executed at Andes’ home, police seized his computer, webcam, and other digital media files. Andes has been charged with four felonies; two counts of computer pornography and two counts of soliciting a child via computer. Andes has been booked into the Duval County jail. He is not currently eligible for bond.

While it is great that these law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing Internet predators, parents can do a lot to help keep their children safe while surfing the web. Talk to your kids about web safety, how to respond to inappropriate behavior, and make sure that adult and other objectionable content is blocked from their view.

Read more about this online child solicitation sting operation at Mandarin man arrested this morning for cyber-sex crime.

A man who worked in two North Florida School Districts (Duval and Nassau County) was recently indicted on child pornography charges according to a story posted at the Florida Times Union website. Robert Allan Cowan, age 47, worked at Arlington Middle School, Fort Caroline Middle School, and Yulee Primary School. U.S. Attorney A. Brian Albritton reported the indictment which involved two counts of producing child pornography, three counts of receiving child pornography and two counts of possessing child pornography. If the allegations are true, it is quite concerning that a man working in the school system would engage in such activity. Of course, Mr. Cowan will be entitled to defend himself against these criminal allegations. In many cases of this nature, there is a solid trail of forensic computer / online evidence that helps secure a conviction and / or a plea deal.

The case was investigated and coordinated by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Department of Children and Families.

Parents and caregivers should monitor the text messages and e mails of their teen children. Of course, this can be a battle at times due to the typical teen's demand for privacy. In Kissimmee, Florida, a mother became concerned when she saw some text messages to her 13 year old daughter's mobile phone. These text messages eventually lead to the mother's discovery that her 13 year old daughter had sex with a 21 year old man that she met online at www.myspace.com. The mother reported the texts to the police who later arrested the man for lewd and lascivious battery, traveling to meet with a minor, and driving with a suspended license.

Children and teens greatly enjoy the Internet. Unfortunately, children and teens do not appreciate the dangers of online sites like My Space and Facebook. Parents should teach their children about the dangers of predators on the Internet and the fact that they target children. Parents should do their best to keep children off of sites like Facebook and My Space. In the alternative, parents should monitor their children's activities online and on their mobile phones. Make your child be your friend on My Space and Facebook. Set forth restrictions and limitations when your child is online. Make sure that they do not create friendships or liasons from purely online contact. It is well known that a person can be any body he or she wants to be online. You can read more about this Kissimmee story at Orlando Man Arrested Following a Mother's Discovery of Text Messages.

Thousands of reports of abuse coming in on the Florida Department of Children and Families abuse hotline are being rejected or ignored, thanks to a little known new screening practice recently undertaken by the department. Child welfare managers in Broward County, Florida, brought the new screening rules to light during a routine practice review.

The new screening procedures were put into effect to ease the burden on the overwhelmed child welfare system. The Department of Children and Families calls the new practice “necessary triage” that allows them to focus on the most at-risk children. They point to a number of frivolous complaints filed, but reports of abuse, kidnapping, rape, child abuse, neglect and domestic violence are now being routinely being labeled as “unworthy of investigation” as well. A spokesperson for the department said the new rules are a work in progress, which the department will continue to refine.

One of the new policies that was leaked to the press includes a revision of guidelines on what is considered abuse, and includes a directive to reject complaints about signs of a beating unless the child was taken to a doctor or the hospital or was permanently disfigured. This would basically rule out any signs of abuse reported by childcare workers. Child advocates are up in arms over what they call a “dangerous shortcut” that will leave many children at risk. A one year old child, Bryce Barros, has already fallen victim to the new rules; he was beaten to death by a family member even after a Broward County domestic violence judge contacted the hotline on three separate occasions on behalf of the child.

The economic downturn is being blamed for a large part of the problem; stress and loss of income within families has put more children at risk, just as funding for the Department of Children and Families is being cut by the state. An increase in frivolous complaints lodged by child care workers afraid of being prosecuted for failure to report suspected abuse was also cited.

You can learn more about the new screening procedures at Cries for help to DCF hot line go unheeded by design.

In Jacksonville, Florida and cities throughout the country, child predators are unfortunately targeting teenagers and children for sex. Many people would be surprised by the identify and occupation of those who try to take advantage of children. In Jacksonville, Florida, a navy sailor was recently sentenced to a 10 year prison term. According to the FBI Website, Robert William Goodwin was convicted of crimes involving the use of the Internet / chat room to entice a child for sex. At the time of the commission of these crimes, Goodwin was not aware that he was actually chatting online with an undercover investigator with the Florida Attorney General - Child Predator Cyber Unit. When Goodwin arranged for a meeting, he was then arrested for these crimes. You can read more details about this case at Navy Sailor Sentenced to Prison - Used Chat Room to Entice a Minor for Sex.

Fort White man pleads guilty to receiving child porn over the Internet. According to a story posted at the Gainesville Sun website, Kenneth Mathew Tanzosh (age 37) downloaded video to his computer involving pornographic videos of children. Mr. Tanzosh and his computer were tracked by law enforcement authorities through an investigation that began with an investigation by German authorities. Through the investigation, United States agents later raided Tanzosh's home for the computer.

Unfortunately, children continue to be exploited sexually because there is a market out there for pornographic images and videos. People who download the images are guilty of crimes, in part, because these actions help support or promote this industry. You can read more about this story at Fort White Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Possession Charges.

The Orange County, Florida Sheriff’s Office made ten arrests recently, stemming from an investigation into an internet prostitution ring. The investigation took place over several weeks and included individuals in seven Florida counties. One of the alleged prostitutes arrested was a sixteen-year-old girl. She told police that her pimp was holding her five-month-old baby hostage, and that if she did not return to him with the money, he would keep the baby.

Deputies found the baby some time later with the girl’s alleged pimp, in a car in a parking lot at the Wal-Mart on South Kirkman Road in Orlando, Florida. The baby was unharmed; the pimp was arrested. The child has been turned over to the Florida Department of Children and Families, which will determine if the infant should be returned to its mother.

It is sad enough that this young sixteen-year-old girl has become involved in a life of prostitution. But it is sadder still that her infant child has been mixed up in it as well. Children should be cherished and protected, not used as hostages held for ransom. Clearly this young girl is putting her child in harm's way by associating with alleged criminals. It will be interesting to see how the Florida Department of Children handles this matter and what the future holds for the 16 year old and her child.

Find out more about this story at Baby held hostage in prostitution ring.

Last June, law enforcement officers in Polk County Florida arrested 45 men for downloading child pornography from the internet. The rise in arrests was not attributed to the county having a higher than usual child pornographer rate, but rather to the efforts of the Polk County, Florida Sheriff, Grady Judd as well as investigators, detectives, and deputy sherrif officers. Those arrested included a retired teacher, a Sea World employee and 3 Florida high school students.

According to law enforcement officials and child welfare workers, child pornography has become so commonplace on the internet that police departments all over the country could literally spend every day tracking down and arresting offenders. And the internet actually makes it easier to track these criminals down, as they leave an electronic trail of their activities. The fact that Sheriff Judd is willing to expend more time and resources than other agencies has resulted in 176 arrests in the county since 2006.

While exemplary police officers / detectives / sheriffs like Judd are a credit to their profession, the alarming fact is that child pornography has exploded as internet use has made it easier to distribute and buy pornography. Many law enforcement agencies do not put child pornography crimes at center stage the way Judd does, meaning that the vast majority go undiscovered and unpunished. The fact is that if these agencies simply devoted a few more man hours per week to stopping child pornographers using the internet, they could take significantly more of these offenders off the street.

Of course, we are in a recession. As such, law enforcement agencies have been forced to cut budgets, lay off employees, and re-allocate or re-adjust resources. With a decreased budget, it can be quite challenging to devote sufficient resources to combat child pornography and other crimes involving the molestation, assault, or exploitation of children.

You can find out more details on this Polk County, Florida story at Child-porn arrests: `Shooting fish in a barrel’

What happens when you travel over state lines, have sex with a 14 year old, and try to hide under her bed to avoid being caught by a parent? Well in the case of John Barry Coe, you get arrested and sent to prison. Mr. Coe, age 20, was recently sentenced to a term of 87 months (just over 7 years) for his criminal activities in Florida. Mr. Coe, who was released on bond from a case in Montana for similar crimes, met a 14 year old at an online game site. Mr. Coe then travelled to Florida by bus and then took a taxi cab to the child's home. It was reported that at some point in time Mr. Coe had sexual intercourse with the 14 year old girl. Since a 14 year old girl cannot legally give consent to such acts, some child safety advocates may refer to this conduct at child rape regardless of the so called participation of the child. The 14 year old lied to her mother and told her mother that Coe was a 16 year old high school student. When the mother found Coe under a bed, she called police and the true age, identity, and conduct of Mr. Coe was discovered by the mother and law enforcement authorities.

With the Internet and predators like Mr. Coe out there, children are in danger every day even within the confines of their own homes. You can read more about this story at Colorado Man (John Barry Coe) Sentenced to Prison for Crimes Against a Child.

In Florida, adults, who travel to high schools with plans on having sex with underage students, get arrested. The Florida Times Union (Jacksonville) newspaper reported that Obtravies Andre Watkins was arrested and charged with a felony crime. Mr. Watkins and a 16 year old girl exchanged text messages. The child's father contacted police about this matter after he found several text messages on his daughter's phone. Mr. Watkins made arrangements to meet the girl at school where he was ultimately arrested at Flagler (Florida) Palm Coast High School.

Of course, Mr. Watkins will be entitled to a defend himself through a criminal defense attorney. However, it would appear that the evidence on this case in the form of the text messages and his driving to the high school will be hard to overcome.

Furthermore, Mr. Watkins was already a registered sex offender even before this arrest. It seems that Mr. Watkins did not reform himself from his prior crimes even with the knowledge of the consequences of his actions.

Some may argue that the girl was 16 year old and certainly knew what she was doing; however, it is important to note that States like Florida need to set the age limit for sexual intercourse at some age. Teenagers including those at 16 and 17 are vulnerable to the advances of older men and Florida law should protect these children.

The Internet is being used by child predators and sex offenders throughout the United States. One common technique used by child predators is to befriend children online, gain their trust, and then make arrangements to meet the children for sex. Some predators even go as far as to make bus or flight arrangements to travel over State lines to meet up with children for sex.

A Florida man was recently arrested for having sex with a 15 year old Ohio girl. As reported in the Florida Times Union, Nicholas W. Neff, Jr. from Jacksonville, Florida was arrested after police in Cincinnati, Ohio received a tip about the conduct of Mr. Neff and the 15 year old girl in Lincoln Heights. For months prior to the criminal sexual contact / conduct, Mr. Neff had been talking or communicating over the Internet with the girl.

Mr. Neff will be entitled to be represented by a criminal defense attorney. In many jurisdictions, the knowledge of the child's true age is not a defense. Initially, Mr. Neff stated to police that he thought that she was 19 years old but Mr. Neff later admitted to knowing the girl's age prior to a sexual encounter with the girl.

You can read more about this story at Florida Man Arrested in Ohio for Sex with a Teenage Girl.

Robert Sewell Barth once had the honor of being named the Teacher of the Year for Cheney Elementary School. He now will have the distinction of being a convicted felon for his pleading guilty to receipt of child pornography. Investigators previously found 1100 photographic images and 25 videos of child pornography on Barth's computer. This is quite a frightening discovery in light of the fact that Barth was teacher children in the Orange County (Florida) School District. Barth also served as a foster parent for children. Mr. Barth faces a prison term for these crimes that has yet to be determined. From Teacher of the Year to just another deviant was quite a fall from grace for this teacher. Unfortunately, there are many others like Mr. Barth out in the community who are downloading and receiving child pornography. Even scarier is the thought of more teachers like Mr. Barth in the school system. You can read more about this story at Ex Teacher of the Year Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Pornography.