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 PhanincTampa 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.
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
2025-05-05 17:251728 view
2025-05-05 17:16293 view
2025-05-05 16:19770 view
2025-05-05 15:59123 view
2025-05-05 15:401512 view
2025-05-05 15:26917 view
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Cybercriminals could release personal data of many Rhode Islanders as early
Author and illustrator Jerry Craft, who won a Newbery Medal for his graphic novel The New Kid, had n
What began as a search for one missing woman led to multiple bodies and the capture of a man police