Current:Home > NewsFlorida woman charged with sex crimes after posing as student on Snapchat: Tampa Police -TrueNorth Finance Path
Florida woman charged with sex crimes after posing as student on Snapchat: Tampa Police
View
Date:2025-04-14 04:09:40
A Florida woman faces several sex crime charges after police say she started a relationship with a minor after posing as a student online.
The Tampa Police Department announced in a Friday press release that Alyssa Zinger, 22, was arrested on Nov. 24 following an investigation into a relationship with a boy between 12 and 15 years old.
Police believe there could be other victims.
“It is disturbing and unsettling to see an adult take advantage of a child and prey on them,” said Tampa police chief Lee Bercaw. “Anyone who may have been a victim of Zinger’s, we encourage you to come forward."
Zinger has been charged with two counts of lewd or lascivious battery (engage) and five counts of lewd, lascivious molestation of a victim aged 12-15 by a defendant older than 18. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is out on bail. Zinger's attorney did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's emailed request for comment Monday morning.
Police say Zinger posed as a homeschooled student online
Tampa Police say Zinger pretended to be a homeschooled student online and primarily communicated with the minor boy through social media, according to the release.
A search warrant obtained by the Tampa Bay Times said that Zinger contacted the child over Snapchat and had a sexual relationship with him. She also pretended to be 14 years old, according to another incident described in the warrant.
The victim told police during the investigation they engaged in a sexual relationship between late May and mid-September, according to the Times. The victim said he received sexually explicit photos and videos during that time, the Times reported.
Anyone with information is asked to call Tampa Police at 813-231-6130.
Other Florida news:Florida police officer charged with sexual battery and false imprisonment of tourist
veryGood! (5917)
Related
- Bodycam footage shows high
- Gossip Girl alum Taylor Momsen bit by a bat while performing in Spain: I must really be a witch
- Police probing deadly street party in Ohio believe drive-by shooter opened fire
- Corporate breeder that mistreated thousands of beagles pleads guilty, will pay $22 million in fines
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Ohio prosecutors seek to dismiss 1 of 2 murder counts filed against ex-deputy who killed Black man
- In New York, Attorney General Letitia James’ Narrow View of the State’s Green Amendment
- Who will replace Pat Sajak on 'Wheel of Fortune?' Hint: He was 7 when Sajak began hosting.
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- Brothers charged in Georgia strip club shooting that left multiple injured
Ranking
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- Arizona police officer dies in shooting at party: 2 arrested, Gila River tribe bans dances
- Musk’s X is allowing users to post consensual adult content, formalizing a prior Twitter policy
- Minnesota prosecutor was reluctant to drop murder charge against trooper, but ultimately did
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- Cyndi Lauper announces farewell tour, documentary: 'Right now this is the best I can be'
- Mexico appears on verge of getting its first female president
- Mother of airman killed by Florida deputy says his firing, alone, won’t cut it
Recommendation
Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
RFK Jr. sues Nevada’s top election official over ballot access as he scrambles to join debate stage
Only a third of the money from $2.7M fraud scandal has been returned to Madison County
Muhammad Ali’s childhood home is for sale in Kentucky after being converted into a museum
Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
These 23 Pottery Barn Teen Items Work as Home Decor Gems for Modern Adults: Finds Starting at $4.99
Arizona proposal to let local police make border-crossing arrests is set for lawmakers’ final vote
Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux to be featured in next MLB Network documentary