Current:Home > FinanceFlorida woman charged with sex crimes after posing as student on Snapchat: Tampa Police -GlobalInvest
Florida woman charged with sex crimes after posing as student on Snapchat: Tampa Police
Benjamin Ashford View
Date:2025-04-09 15:56:09
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! (27986)
Related
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Bobby Allison, NASCAR Hall of Famer and 3-time Daytona 500 winner, dies at 86
- S&P 500 and Nasdaq extend rally after Fed cuts rates and hints at more ahead. Dow ends flat
- Wyoming volleyball coach worried about political pressure to forfeit vs. San Jose State
- Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
- 'Disclaimer' stars break down that 'horrific' and 'shocking' finale twist (spoilers)
- Trump's presidential election win and what it says about the future of cancel culture
- Normani Details Her Wickedly Incredible Friendship With Ariana Grande
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Police arrest a man after 9 people are stabbed over a day-and-a-half in Seattle
Ranking
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Historic winter storm buries New Mexico, Colorado in snow. Warmer temps ahead
- James Van Der Beek 'went into shock' over stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis
- How long do betta fish live? Proper care can impact their lifespan
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Bobby Allison, NASCAR Hall of Famer and 3-time Daytona 500 winner, dies at 86
- 13 Holiday Gifts for Men That Will Make Them Say 'Wow'
- Army says the US will restart domestic TNT production at plant to be built in Kentucky
Recommendation
US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs seeks bail, citing changed circumstances and new evidence
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs seeks bail, citing changed circumstances and new evidence
Dr. Phil Alum Bhad Bhabie Says She's Taking Cancer Medicine Amid Recent Weight Loss
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
US Park Police officer won't be charged in shooting death of 17-year-old woken up by police
Flight carrying No. 11 Auburn basketball team grounded after scuffle between players
New LA police chief sworn in as one of the highest-paid chiefs in the US