Current:Home > StocksFlorida woman charged with sex crimes after posing as student on Snapchat: Tampa Police -Elevate Capital Network
Florida woman charged with sex crimes after posing as student on Snapchat: Tampa Police
View
Date:2025-04-16 07:49:18
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! (3)
Related
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- AP Week in Pictures: Europe and Africa
- Powerball grows to $760 million ahead of the Dec. 27 drawing. See winning numbers
- A cargo ship picking up Ukrainian grain hits a Russian floating mine in the Black Sea, officials say
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- As new minimum wages are ushered in, companies fight back with fees and layoffs
- Pistons match longest losing streak in NBA history at 28 games, falling 128-122 to Boston in OT
- 'That '70s Show' star Danny Masterson starts 30-years-to-life sentence in state prison
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Stock market today: Asian stocks mixed in muted holiday trading as 2023 draws to a close
Ranking
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse chancellor fired for appearing in porn videos
- Ex-student found competent to stand trial for stabbing deaths near University of California, Davis
- 2023 in science: AI, the hottest year on record, and galactic controversy
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- Ex-student found competent to stand trial for stabbing deaths near University of California, Davis
- Recall of nearly 5 million portable blenders under way for unsafe blades and dozens of burn injuries
- A number away from $137 million, Michigan man instead wins $1 million in Mega Millions game
Recommendation
See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
2023 in science: AI, the hottest year on record, and galactic controversy
More than 40 dead in Liberia after leaking fuel tanker exploded as people tried to collect gas
Gypsy Rose Blanchard released from Missouri prison early Thursday morning, DOC confirms
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
Ariana Grande teases first album since 2020's 'Positions': 'So happy and grateful'
Foragers build a community of plants and people while connecting with the past
Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists for '24: Antonio Gates, Julius Peppers highlight list