Wacky Internet Predator Wednesday #79
In this week’s predator round-up, we are reminded again that Internet PREDATORS ARE REAL!!! Don’t listen to the self-proclaimed experts that are trying to downplay the reality. Just because some statistics are low, doesn’t mean the threat is not there. Furthermore, statistics rely on honest knowledge. Chances are, you child is talking to a predator and doesn’t know it – or wouldn’t admit it if asked.
But THE REAL TRUTH is that every week, handfuls of these guys get arrested for trying to solicit kids online. In many cases, they actually get to a victim. This week, I have included 3 stories that cover the sentencing of 3 predators, 2 of which involve real kids.
Don’t take chances with their safety. Be a strong parent and know what your kids are doing online and who they are talking to… there is no excuse not to (other than lazy parenting).
This week an 18-year-old Sheboygan man was arrested after he obtained topless pictures of a female acquaintance and blackmailed her and a friend for more nude pictures.
In sentencing news: a 51-year-old Virginia man was sentenced to 5 years in prison (and 10 years probation) for trying to solicit what he thought was a 13-year-old girl online – turned out to be a cop!; a 38-year-old man who had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl he met on MySpace was sentenced to 13 years in prison; a 37-year-old Delaware man (and previous WIPW entry) was sentenced to 10 years in prison for having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl he met on MySpace.
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February 5, 2010
Police: Sheboygan man used blackmail to seek nude pics on MySpace
By Eric Litke, Sheboygan Press staff
An 18-year-old Sheboygan man is accused of obtaining topless pictures of a female acquaintance and blackmailing her and a friend in an attempt to obtain more nude pictures. Police say Dalton L. Vandeloo, of 2140 N. 22nd St., used a fake name on MySpace.com to tell the women — both Sheboygan residents — that he would distribute the topless photos to their friends unless they sent him more photos. He is charged with two felony counts of threatening to communicate derogatory information, but investigators say more charges are expected.
February 3, 2010
Draft man reaches plea deal for trying to solicit sex from minor
Ex-county dispatcher gets 5-year prison term
By Brad Zinn, the News Leader
STAUNTON — After reaching a plea agreement with the Staunton prosecutor’s office, a former Augusta County dispatcher pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges he tried to set up a sexual liaison with a 13-year-old girl that actually turned out to be a Staunton cop working undercover. Alvin Yoder, 51, of Stuarts Draft was sentenced to the mandatory minimum of five years in prison and placed on 10 years probation upon his release
He was 38. She was 15. Their relationship started in cyberspace but quickly turned physical. Dewey Edward Nelson, a Hillsville man who used the name “Jolly Rancha” on MySpace, was held up by federal prosecutors Thursday as a warning about the dangers of the online world. “Take this issue seriously,” Tim Heaphy, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, urged parents in a news conference held after a federal court hearing in which Nelson was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
February 6, 2010
Delaware courts: Man, 37, sentenced for sex with girl, 14
Defendant started liaison on MySpace
By Sean O’Sullivan, The News Journal
WILMINGTON — A 37-year-old Wilmington man who lured a 14-year-old into sex through a social networking Web site was sentenced to 10 years in prison Friday by a federal judge. David Hart, the father of one child and guardian for two others, apologized in court to the girl and to his family, according to prosecutors.
