Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Texting is becoming an increadingly used tool in dating violence. Text messages are used to harass, track and intimidate current or ex- boyfriend and girlfriends. The use of text messages as a weapon in dating violence is a double-edge sword; the messages are concrete proof in court that dating violence has occurred but can also be kept private for a lot longer. Back in the day, the typical home had only one phone in the entire house. Today, is it not uncommon for each family member to have his or her own cell phone, thus, making easier for children and teenagers to hide the threatening and harassing texts. Other acts of abuse include location tracking by a partner, significant other, or boyfriend / girlfriend. These are multiple texts sent throughout the day demanding to know your whereabouts, who you are with, etc. For example, there was a case where a woman in her 20s was so closely tracked by her boyfriend that he demanded her to take photographs with her phone to prove her whereabouts, the photos were accompanied with a time and date stamp.

Another reason why there is so much under-reporting of textual harassment, other than the private nature of cell phones, is that many teens do not view excessive text messaging as abusive. However, if you are getting 50 text messages per day that are all unwanted, there is a problem, suggests an executive director of Break the Cycle, an organization that works to end dating violence. If you would like to read more on this topic see Text messaging becomes a useful tool in dating violence.

State legislatures are in the process of pushing legislation to encourage, rather than require, schools to teach and inform its students on the topic of textual harassment. Abusive texts can come in the form of text messaging, e-mails and messages sent over social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. If you are getting unwanted text messages you should inform someone close to you about the abuse. Making the matter somewhat public can aid in stopping the abuse.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

"Sexting," a relatively new social phenomenon, has left eight Pennsylvania high school students with a felony pornography charge. The age of the Pennsylvania students ranged from ages 13-17. The students were accused of using their cell phones to take, send, or receive nude photos of each other, and, in one case a video of oral sex. Charles Chenot, Perry County District Attorney, stated the requisite acts under Pennsylvania law to be considered a crime is to take a photograph of yourself or someone else and send that photo to a third party. Chenot said he considers sexting a form of child pornography with lifetime consequences, especially if that photo ends up on the Internet.

Chenot said it was the only charge that fit the crime, although he agree a less severe charge that still got the attention of the teens would be adequate. Former U.S. Rep. Don Baily, who represents one of the minors, states a felony pornography charge "is an over-zealous and an inappropriate application of the criminal law."

Unfortunately this incident is an example of when technology surpasses the law. A Pennsylvania bill, which would limit the punishment for sexting, is up for a full floor this month. Many Pennsylvania lawmakers believe reform is needed in order to find an appropriate punishment for the crime.

This case will likely result in a plea deal or trial. Each of the accused are entitled to a criminal law attorney or public defender for representation on and through these criminal proceedings.

To read more about the Pennsylvania sexting incident see Teens Face Felony Pornography Charges as a Result of Sexting.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Spring City, Pennsylvania, a man brought his computer into a business to have some work done on the computer. When the computer tech was examining the computer, the tech found suspicious images on the computer that turned out to be 100 child pornography images. According to the story reported by ABC 6 Action News, the man admitted to the having the images on his computer that he received through a download. Of course, the man was arrested. He will be entitled to the services of a private criminal law attorney or the public defender; however, there appears to be a good bit of forensic evidence against him. (See Man Arrested for Having Child Pornography on his Computer.)

Child pornography is not a victim less crime since the children are subject to the photographs and often times illegal acts. Child pornography possession and downloading only contributes to an industry that abuses and neglects children.

SPRING CITY, Pa. - April 6, 2010 (WPVI) -- A man from Spring City, Chester County, has been arrested on charges of child pornography and his neighborhood is in shock.

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Scott Cooper seemed like the all American Dad and Husband, a man who worked hard to provide his family the nice home with the picket fence.

"I don't know. I never would have guessed or expected it. I find it hard to believe," said a neighbor.

But investigators say behind closed doors he had a dirty secret he liked to view child pornography.

"The defendant had taken his computer to have some repairs done and during the course of those repairs the shop owner discovered what looked like a suspicious image," explained Chester County Deputy District Attorney Beth Pitts.

The computer technician contacted police. The case was turned over to the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force. It allegedly found 100 images of child porn.

According to court records, Scott Cooper told detectives he knew the child porn was quote "taboo" and he called it a stupid risky hobby. He told them he would download bulk images, view them, then try and delete them.

"I am really really shocked and appalled because I think he does a great job taking care of his kids and I just find it really hard to believe," said a neighbor.

"A little scared, very scared," said Jill Ohler.

That was the reaction from neighbors. It's one often heard in cases like this an unnerving reminder that our neighbors aren't always who they seem to be.

Cooper will be arraigned on Thursday.

(Copyright ©2010 WPVI-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Broomfield, Colorado, a teacher is accused of sending inappropriate text to students. There cases are interesting in that there is typically electronic evidence that can identify the sender and the receiver of these text messages. The messages themselves are evidence that can show criminal acts and intent on the part of the sender. Of course, the teacher will be entitled to defend himself through the services of a public defender or a private criminal defense lawyer. Among the questions / issues that may be addressed in this matter may be:

How many messages were sent by the teacher to students?

Can the messages be subject to one or more meaning or interpretation?

Did the teacher's phone ever fall into the hands of someone other than the teacher?

Will the defense claim that someone else sent out the text messages?

How explicit and sexual were the text messages that were sent out?

Electronic forms of communication like text messages, e mails, and Facebook posts are in writing and can be saved, copied, and printed. One could argue that they are no different than writing a nasty, sexually laced letter to someone.

You can read more about the allegations against this Broomfield, Colorado teacher at Bloomfield Teacher Accused of Sending Inappropriate Texts to Students.

By Benjamin A. Klopman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Montgomery County, Maryland, a former elementary school teacher and field hockey coach was sentenced to 5 years in prison. John Joseph Kovach served as an assistant field hockey coach at Towson University and a teacher at a private elementary school located in Montgomery County, Maryland. How did the teacher - coach and mentor to children get caught? Well, according to the news reports, Mr. Kovach went online and engaged in a sexually explicit chat with a girl who he thought was 13 years old. Following investigation including a warrant for his computer was conducted. Investigators found 252 photographic images and nine videos showing child pornography. The evidence seemed to be quite strong against Mr. Kovach. It is amazing that people go online and think they are invisible and cannot be caught. It is very disturbing to know that teachers, coaches, and mentors are trolling the internet looking for their next victim. You can read more about this story at Former Teacher and Coach Gets 5 Year Prison Sentence for Child Pornography.

By Jeremy Vishno, Attorney, and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Connecticut, a bill is being proposed that would effectively change the statute of limitations for sex abuse cases in the State of Connecticut. Currently, the statute of limitations in Connecticut for sex abuse cases is 30 years past the 18th birthday of the sex abuse victim. The proposed Connecticut law would allow someone older than 48 years old to pursue a case as long as it was pursued in conjunction with the claim of a younger person. The Catholic Church is publicly opposed to the change in law as it would expose the church to additional claims and liabilities that would otherwise be stale under the current Connecticut law. One of the buzzwords used by church officials is the term frivolous lawsuits. The church has for years hidden sexual predators and child molesters behind its doors. To state that the claim of a 50 year old is frivolous ignores the years of injustice and abuse that was ignored and even hidden by the church. Judges and juries should be able to the weigh the facts of each year. The determining factor should not be the age of the victim pursuing the case but the facts, evidence, and testimony behind the claims of abuse, neglect, and child molestation. You can read more about this story at Catholic Church Against Changes in Connecticut Sex Abuse Laws.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Washington, a man pleaded guilty to the rape of a 4 year old girl. How was he caught? What evidence was there against him in the criminal case for the sexual abuse and sexual molestation of this Washington child? Well, it appears that the man posted a video of the heinous crimes on the Internet and thereafter another man reported him to the authorities. Brian Beston, age 36, pleaded guilty to the cirmes of sexual exploitation, child rape, and dealing in child pornography.
Prosecutors will recommend a minimum 26-year sentence when he is sentenced May 14 in King County Superior Court. He could also face life in prison. Beston wife's also faces charge for her role in this criminal acts. You can read about this story at Washington Man Pleads Guilty to Child Rape Charges.

People who molest and abuse child fail to recognize the serious physical and psychological personal injuries that the child suffers at the time of the terrible act and the years thereafter. It is pure selfishness and depravity that leads people to commit such horrible acts.

By Jeremy Vishno, Attorney, and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Connecticut, police arrested a convicted sex offender for having child pornography including photographs and images on a computer. Due to the large number of images located (20,000 - Twenty Thousand), it appears unlikely that the images were accidentally downloaded or mistakenly placed on the computers. Of course, the criminal defendant (Charles Heaton - age 60) in this case will be entitled to the services of a public defender or a private criminal defense attorney.

It is a crime to possess, manufacture, or distribute child pornography. The people who buy or download child pornography help drive and promote an industry that serious harms children every day. You can read more about this story at Connecticut Man Arrested for Having Child Pornography on Computer.

By Stephanie F. Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A teenage boy from Atlanta, Georgia recently broke up with his girlfriend by sending her, her mother, and her sisters nude images of himself via cell phone text message. According to Cecily Hill, the Republican State Representative for Kingsland, Georgia, the boy could not be charged with any specific crime; that has led Kingsland to introduce legislation that would make so-called “sexting” – sending nude images over cell phone text messaging systems – illegal. It represents an update to a current law that prohibits transmitting obscene images of minors on floppy disks, CDs, or computer bulletin boards.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation supports the bill, but spokesperson John Bankhead said that care must be taken in writing the bill so that children sending images to other children without the intent to engage in child pornography or without appreciation of the consequences would not be permanently labeled as sex offenders.

The Georgia House is also considering legislation that would broaden the definition of rape; the current law only includes females and children under the age of ten years old. Proponents say that the current law leaves young boys who are targeted by sexual predators out in the cold.

Both bills, if they pass, promise to make it clearer what is acceptable behavior and what is not when it comes to sexual content or sexual activity involving minors.

Find out more about this story at Camden's Hill lodges bill to make 'sexting' illegal.

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Offender Locator is an i Phone application that allows concerned parents and others get information about the residence of sex offenders. i Phones have GPS functions that can allow an i Phone user to search databases and information by an address or by current location. The Offender Locator is a simple but effective program in providing this valuable information to parents, caregivers and others. While no system or database is perfect or free from flaws, the information can assist parents in making safety precautions and plans when there are nearby sexual predators or offenders. Parents may want to use a program like this to search for sexual offenders / predators in the child's neighborhood, near the school, near friend's homes, near playing fields, and other areas. Supervision is important regardless of the presence or absence of sexual offenders and predators; however, information and knowledge can serve important functions for parents with the goal and mission of protecting their children. You can read more about the Offender Locator program, its use by a Houston, Texas mother, and other technology developments at iPhone Applications (Apps) Help Track Sexual Offenders / Child Predators.

By John Jensen, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In North Carolina and other States, teachers are stepping well beyond their work duties and ethics by having sex with students. In Durham, North Carolina, Gina Marie Watring, age 40, was charged in April 2009 with child rape, kidnapping and felony child abduction. Bond was set and she should have ceased her contact and relationship with the 10 year old boy. Instead of staying away, Ms. Watring now stands accused of having further contact with the boy through letters, mobile phone, and text messaging. Ms. Watring formerly worked at Creekside Elementary School in Durham, North Carolina as a teacher's aide. According to police records, the 10 year old boy and teacher had sex on two occasions at her home. Ms. Watring's bond has now been raised to $2 million. If the allegations are true, people should not confuse the acts of Ms. Watring with any other child predator. It does not matter and should not matter that she is a woman committing these acts on a boy. It is a crime no matter how you look at it. You can read more about this story in Bond Raised in Case Involving North Carolina Elementary School Teacher Accused of Raping a 10 Year Old Boy.

By Steven Smith, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A New York mother is facing criminal charges for stupid and immature acts of posting information regarding her daughter's rival on Craigslist. It should be noted that the rival is only 9 years old. The mother (Margery Tannenbaum) of Hauppauge, New York posted an ad on Craigslist with the 9 year old girl's phone number stating "I need a little affection." The ad did not list the age of the girl or many details. Nevertheless, the ad resulted in over 20 telephone calls to the home. Some callers were embarrassed that they were calling the home of a 9 year old girl. Ms. Tannebaum put a child and family at danger from her posting and should be subject to some of punishment and fines for her acts. You can read about this story at Long Island Mother Faces Criminal Charges for Craigslist Ad Targeting a 9 Year Old Girl.

By Stephanie F. Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A Bleckley County (Georgia) corrections officer was arrested in June, 2009 for distributing child pornography. A Cobb County, Georgia police detective posed as a 13 year old girl in an undercover operation. The corrections officer, Jason Shane Price, sent the undercover detective sexually explicit messages and images as well as videos of child sexual abuse.

Authorities are requesting information from the public if they have been in contact with anyone using the email address suthyrngent07@yahoo.com or boiledpenuts2001@yahoo.com. Individuals who have been in contact with these email addresses should report their contacts to the Crimes Against Children’s Unit at 770-801-3470.

By Anthony Ferguson, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Maine and other states, child predators and sexual offenders are exploiting and abusing children every day. In some instances, it is the parent who is exploiting or molesting the child. In Mars Hill, Maine, Julie Carr, age 30, is the mother of four children. British investigators tracked her down to her Maine home after she was webcasting a sexual assault of her young child. Really, what was this lady thinking? While she will be entitled to a public defender if she cannot afford an attorney, there is an electronic trail of sorts and video of these heinous acts. Authorities removed all four children from her home. You can read more about this story at Maine Mom Nabbed in International Child Pornography Sting.

By Joseph R. Hillebrand Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Social networking websites like My Space and Facebook are seen as a tool and a toy. Others see these sites as weapons as well when people go online to bully children, defraud children, and / or to otherwise harm children. In Missouri, Lori Drew was convicted of three misdemeanor counts of accessing computers without authorization. Ms. Drew went on My Space and posed as a teenage boy who was supposedly interested in a girl named - Megan Meier. Ms. Drew went online to find out information and to ultimately humiliate and cause mental pain and suffering to a vulnerable 13 year old girl who eventually committed suicide. While Ms. Drew was not convicted of crimes that caused the death of this child, Ms. Drew's actions are still criminal and she has been convicted. It is a shame that a mother got involved in the manner that she did and caused such heartache for Megan Meier. This case made national headlines as a cyber bullying case. As you can see, anybody is capable of being a cyper bully even a mother that lives down the street. Parents should spend their time supervising children and teaching them good habits and manners. Instead of parenting her child, Ms. Drew inserted herself into this situation which had a tragic ending. You can read more about this story at >Missouri Prosecutors Seek Prison Time for Mom Convicted in My Space Hoax.

By Stephanie F. Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The website Craigslist.com in Atlanta is under investigation by law enforcement agencies for its use as a child prostitution site. A non-profit child advocacy organization claims that in February, 2009, 176 girls were advertised on Craigslist in Atlanta, Georgia. The FBI has filed charges against two individuals for taking nude photographs of a 17 year old girl and then uploading them onto Craigslist. According to the FBI charges, the two individuals who were charged worked for two days as a prostitute, providing her earnings to the two individuals who have since been charged.

Craigslist reached an agreement with the attorneys general of more than 40 states, including Georgia, in November, 2008. Under this agreement, Craiglist requires posters of erotic services to pay a fee and give a valid credit card. While this agreement had an initial impact on the number of erotic postings, the number of erotic postings of children has since risen again. To read more about this story see Problems with Craigslist Pornography and Child Prostitution.

By Thomas J. Duff, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Iowa and other states, a sex offender database has been established to keep track of sex offenders, child predators, and others who have been convicted of crimes that pose a risk too others and especially children. Iowa requires registration for all individuals who have been convicted or adjudicated of a criminal offense against a minor, a crime of sexual exploitation, or a sexually violent crime on or after July 1, 1995. The registry allows citizens and residents in Iowa to access this important information and take necessary precautions that parents and others deem fit to protect themselves and their children.

You can look up particular sex offenders, search for registered sex offenders near an address, and access other important information at the Official Website for the Iowa Sex Offender Registry.

By Jonathan Safran, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin is program put in place by the Children's Service Society of Wisconsin. Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin provides training and public awareness about child support. It also to helps build community resources and carry out advocacy activities to promote child abuse prevention efforts throughout the State of Wisconsin.

It would be wonderful to rid Wisconsin and other States of all child abuse. It would be nice but it is not realistic to believe that child abuse and neglect can be eradicated.
However, child abuse can be reduced or prevented to some extent with the efforts of Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin, other organizations, and dedicated individuals including parents, doctors, social workers and other.

At the Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin website, you can read more information on Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect, What is Child Abuse?, Web Resources and More.

If your child has suffered personal injuries or death as a result of child abuse and neglect, legal representation through a Child Injury Lawyer / Attorney may help you get answers and pursue a civil case against the responsible persons and / or organizations responsible for the abuse.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

My Space and other social networking web sites can be quite dangerous. Predators like Joshua David Threlkeld use the technology of My Space and the internet to lure teens for nude photographs and sex. Mr. Threlkeld created a profile online as Sarah - a 14 year girl named "Sarah". "Sarah" gained the trust of other teen girls and told them that a photographer could meet them to take modeling photographs. Many teen girls were interested, posed nude, and had sex with Mr. Threlkeld. Fortunately, a concerned parent stepped forward to report the situation to police. An investigation was initiated and Mr. Threlkeld was identified and arrested. It appears that there is a pile of evidence against Mr. Threlkeld. His computer and other evidence was obtained through a search warrant of his home.

In various counties / cities in California including Orange, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Riverside, at least 10 teen victims have been identified. Investigators suspect that there may be up to 100 victims of Mr. Threlkeld.

Parents and teens alike should take notice of stories like this because there are thousands upon thousands of predators like Joshua David Threlkeld out there. You can read more about this story at My Space Sexual Predator May Have Assaulted / Molested 100 Victims.

By Stephanie F. Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Clackamas County, Oregon deputies arrested Justin B. Blackledge, age 31, for compelling a teen into prostitution, unlawful display of a child in a sex act and several counts of encouraging child sex abuse. Investigators report that Blackledge had a sexual relationship with the teenager in 2007 - 2008. During this time period, Blackledge posted explicit photographs of the teen on a website with the teen's contact information and a list of her sexual services. There appears to be a good bit of evidence on the internet and elsewhere on Mr. Blackledge. His bail was set at $250,000. It is a shame that teens are exploited in this manner.

You can read more about this story at Oregon Man Arrested for Pimping Out a Teen on the Internet.