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Police: Woman poses as teen to lure kids for sex
Jordan Bowen reports
TAMPA, Fla. - A woman was arrested in Tampa for posing as a home-schooled student online to engage in an inappropriate relationship with an underage boy, according to the Tampa Police Department.
According to TPD, Alyssa Zinger, 22, was arrested on November 24 and charged with two counts of Felony Lewd or Lascivious Battery and five counts of Felony Lewd or Lascivious Molestation Defendant Over 18 Victim 12-15.
Based on the investigation, Zinger made contact with the male victim, who was between 12 and 15 years old, by posing as a home-schooled student online.
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According to search warrants obtained by FOX 13, Zinger and the victim met over Snapchat at the end of May 2023. Through the middle of September, the victim believed she was about 14 years old.
Police were alerted to the relationship in October, according to the warrant.
Photo courtesy: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
"It is disturbing and unsettling to see an adult take advantage of a child and prey on them," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "Anyone who may have been a victim of Zinger's, we encourage you to come forward. The Tampa Police Department will support you and ensure a predator like Zinger doesn't cause you or others additional harm."
Investigators said Zinger engaged in at least 30 sexual acts with one or more students who attend Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Tampa's Hyde Park neighborhood.
"This did not happen at our school. However, we are grateful that a student felt safe enough to come to a trusted adult on campus alerting them about this individual. Our staff immediately contacted law enforcement, so they could begin an investigation," a spokesperson with Hillsborough County Schools wrote in a statement emailed to FOX 13 late Friday.
FOX 13 spoke with Zinger's attorney, Daniel Hernandez, who said his client has entered a not guilty plea and will likely be arraigned in the next few weeks.
Police said there are believed to be additional victims. They ask anyone who believes they are a victim to contact them at 813-231-6130.