Sandi 0cd1d867db8b16cdab5cff03fb8df7ba88750b9e 32399 Attorney General Bill McCollum's Podcast http://www.clickcaster.com/billmccollum Sandi Sandi info@clickcaster.com Messages from Florida's Attorney General no en-US Standard US Copyright Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:54:00 -0600 ClickCaster FeedGenerator v3.0 New Attorney General Podcast Site http://myfloridalegal.com/podcasts.nsf/pub. We look forward to continuing to offer this service.]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:54:00 -0600 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/new-attorney-general-podcast-site http://www.clickcaster.com/items/new-attorney-general-podcast-site http://www.clickcaster.com/items/new-attorney-general-podcast-site 3552511 The Attorney General's podcast has been moved to a new site. Please re-subscribe at http://myfloridalegal.com/podcasts.nsf/pub. We look forward to continuing to offer this service. no National Human Trafficking Day I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.

Sunday is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. This modern-day form of slavery turns human lives into business transactions and deprives them of the most basic human right – the right to freedom.

Florida’s unique geography, rapidly growing population and huge influx of visitors every year puts our state at an elevated risk for being affected by this insidious crime. We must work together in our communities and our neighborhoods to identify and assist those among us who may be victims of this terrible crime.

With increased awareness and assistance from Floridians statewide, we can begin to help those who so desperately need to regain their freedom. 

I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a public safety update.]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:13:00 -0600 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/national-human-trafficking-day http://www.clickcaster.com/items/national-human-trafficking-day http://www.clickcaster.com/items/national-human-trafficking-day 3551145 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Sunday is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. This modern-day form of slavery turns human lives into business transactions and deprives them of the most basic human right – the right to freedom. Florida’s unique geography, rapidly growing population and huge influx of visitors every year puts our state at an elevated risk for being affected by this insidious crime. We must work together in our communities and our neighborhoods to identify and assist those among us who may be victims of this terrible crime. With increased awareness and assistance from Floridians statewide, we can begin to help those who so desperately need to regain their freedom.  I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a public safety update. no 0:41 National Human Trafficking Day I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Sunday is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. This modern-day form of slavery turns human lives into business transactions and deprives them of the most basic human right – the right to freedom. Florida’s unique geography, rapidly growing population and huge influx of visitors every year puts our state at an elevated risk for being affected by this insidious crime. We must work together in our communities and our neighborhoods to identify and assist those among us who may be victims of this terrible crime. With increased awareness and assistance from Floridians statewide, we can begin to help those who so desperately need to regain their freedom.  I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a public safety update. Reported Hate Crimes at Lowest Level in Decade

I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. 

Monday, my office released the 2007 Florida Hate Crimes Report, and I am pleased to announce that last year, reported hate crimes in Florida dropped to the lowest level in a decade. 

A hate crime is a crime committed against someone based on their personal characteristics, such as race, religion or even age. 

Since hate crime reporting began in 1990, Florida law enforcement agencies have reported an average of 272 hate crime incidents each year, well above this year’s total of 193. 

Preventing hate crimes should be the goal of every citizen. I am proud of the roles the Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights has played in statewide efforts against hate-motivated crimes, and I know our efforts will continue. 

I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been an update from the Attorney General’s Office.

]]> Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:21:00 -0600 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/reported-hate-crimes-at-lowest-level-in-decade http://www.clickcaster.com/items/reported-hate-crimes-at-lowest-level-in-decade http://www.clickcaster.com/items/reported-hate-crimes-at-lowest-level-in-decade 3550536 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  Monday, my office released the 2007 Florida Hate Crimes Report, and I am pleased to announce that last year, reported hate crimes in Florida dropped to the lowest level in a decade.  A hate crime is a crime committed against someone based on their personal characteristics, such as race, religion or even age.  Since hate crime reporting began in 1990, Florida law enforcement agencies have reported an average of 272 hate crime incidents each year, well above this year’s total of 193.  Preventing hate crimes should be the goal of every citizen. I am proud of the roles the Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights has played in statewide efforts against hate-motivated crimes, and I know our efforts will continue.  I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been an update from the Attorney General’s Office. no 0:44 Reported Hate Crimes at Lowest Level in Decade I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  Monday, my office released the 2007 Florida Hate Crimes Report, and I am pleased to announce that last year, reported hate crimes in Florida dropped to the lowest level in a decade.  A hate crime is a crime committed against someone based on their personal characteristics, such as race, religion or even age.  Since hate crime reporting began in 1990, Florida law enforcement agencies have reported an average of 272 hate crime incidents each year, well above this year’s total of 193.  Preventing hate crimes should be the goal of every citizen. I am proud of the roles the Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights has played in statewide efforts against hate-motivated crimes, and I know our efforts will continue.  I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been an update from the Attorney General’s Office. State Launches Formal Price Gouging Investigation I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. 

Yesterday, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson and I announced that our offices have jointly opened a formal price gouging investigation into a major gasoline supplier. 

We want to determine exactly what led to the extraordinary increases in gasoline prices prior to Hurricane Ike. 

We believe TransMontaigne, a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, may have raised its price of wholesale gasoline which it supplies, through distributors, to stations throughout Florida. 

Our state will not tolerate inexplicable increases in prices during a declared state of emergency. I look forward to continuing this investigation with the Commissioner and getting to the bottom of this issue. 

I’m Bill McCollum and this has been a consumer protection update.

]]> Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:20:00 -0600 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/state-launches-formal-price-gouging-investigation http://www.clickcaster.com/items/state-launches-formal-price-gouging-investigation http://www.clickcaster.com/items/state-launches-formal-price-gouging-investigation 3549744 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  Yesterday, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson and I announced that our offices have jointly opened a formal price gouging investigation into a major gasoline supplier.  We want to determine exactly what led to the extraordinary increases in gasoline prices prior to Hurricane Ike.  We believe TransMontaigne, a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, may have raised its price of wholesale gasoline which it supplies, through distributors, to stations throughout Florida.  Our state will not tolerate inexplicable increases in prices during a declared state of emergency. I look forward to continuing this investigation with the Commissioner and getting to the bottom of this issue.  I’m Bill McCollum and this has been a consumer protection update. no 0:41 State Launches Formal Price Gouging Investigation I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  Yesterday, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson and I announced that our offices have jointly opened a formal price gouging investigation into a major gasoline supplier.  We want to determine exactly what led to the extraordinary increases in gasoline prices prior to Hurricane Ike.  We believe TransMontaigne, a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, may have raised its price of wholesale gasoline which it supplies, through distributors, to stations throughout Florida.  Our state will not tolerate inexplicable increases in prices during a declared state of emergency. I look forward to continuing this investigation with the Commissioner and getting to the bottom of this issue.  I’m Bill McCollum and this has been a consumer protection update. Reforming the Calling Card Industry I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.

Throughout our state, thousands of people use calling cards to communicate with family and loved ones.

Today, my Economic Crimes Division reached a settlement which, along with 11 previous settlements, will enforce higher standards and provide more integrity and accountability in this industry.

These settlements require the companies involved to cease any potentially misleading advertising, and to provide 100 percent of all the minutes advertised for each card. The companies will also have to clearly disclose all fees.

Corporations and companies should never attempt to profit from and take advantage of the bond between family members and friends.

I am pleased these higher standards are working to reform this industry.

I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a consumer protection update.]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:58:00 -0600 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/reforming-the-calling-card-industry http://www.clickcaster.com/items/reforming-the-calling-card-industry http://www.clickcaster.com/items/reforming-the-calling-card-industry 3548809 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Throughout our state, thousands of people use calling cards to communicate with family and loved ones. Today, my Economic Crimes Division reached a settlement which, along with 11 previous settlements, will enforce higher standards and provide more integrity and accountability in this industry. These settlements require the companies involved to cease any potentially misleading advertising, and to provide 100 percent of all the minutes advertised for each card. The companies will also have to clearly disclose all fees. Corporations and companies should never attempt to profit from and take advantage of the bond between family members and friends. I am pleased these higher standards are working to reform this industry. I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a consumer protection update. no 0:42 Reforming the Calling Card Industry I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Throughout our state, thousands of people use calling cards to communicate with family and loved ones. Today, my Economic Crimes Division reached a settlement which, along with 11 previous settlements, will enforce higher standards and provide more integrity and accountability in this industry. These settlements require the companies involved to cease any potentially misleading advertising, and to provide 100 percent of all the minutes advertised for each card. The companies will also have to clearly disclose all fees. Corporations and companies should never attempt to profit from and take advantage of the bond between family members and friends. I am pleased these higher standards are working to reform this industry. I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a consumer protection update. Cruise Line Company Sued for $4 Million in Undisclosed Fuel Surcharges I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.

Today, my office filed a lawsuit against a Broward cruise line company, stating the company charged approximately $4 million in fuel surcharges without properly notifying vacationers.

Imperial Majesty sells cruises to the Bahamas, but consumers have complained the company levies fuel surcharges on its customers without notice when the customers are booking their cruises and implicates the fees are government-related.

Florida residents and our guests deserve proper description and disclosure of fees when they book cruises or make other travel purchases in our state.

I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a consumer protection update.]]> Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:58:00 -0600 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cruise-line-company-sued-for--4-million-in-undisclosed-fuel-surcharges http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cruise-line-company-sued-for--4-million-in-undisclosed-fuel-surcharges http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cruise-line-company-sued-for--4-million-in-undisclosed-fuel-surcharges 3547753 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Today, my office filed a lawsuit against a Broward cruise line company, stating the company charged approximately $4 million in fuel surcharges without properly notifying vacationers. Imperial Majesty sells cruises to the Bahamas, but consumers have complained the company levies fuel surcharges on its customers without notice when the customers are booking their cruises and implicates the fees are government-related. Florida residents and our guests deserve proper description and disclosure of fees when they book cruises or make other travel purchases in our state. I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a consumer protection update. no 0:37 Cruise Line Company Sued for $4 Million in Undisclosed Fuel Surcharges I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Today, my office filed a lawsuit against a Broward cruise line company, stating the company charged approximately $4 million in fuel surcharges without properly notifying vacationers. Imperial Majesty sells cruises to the Bahamas, but consumers have complained the company levies fuel surcharges on its customers without notice when the customers are booking their cruises and implicates the fees are government-related. Florida residents and our guests deserve proper description and disclosure of fees when they book cruises or make other travel purchases in our state. I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a consumer protection update. McCollum promotes National Protect Your Identity week I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.

This week is National Protect Your Identity Week, established to bring identity theft awareness and prevention programs to consumers nationwide. 

Identity theft can take many forms, including child identity theft, mortgage fraud-related identity theft, and data breaches at businesses. Last year, Florida ranked fifth in the nation for the number of identity theft complaints, with more than 19,000 reported incidents. 

Our citizens can protect themselves by learning about scams, protecting their personal information, and regularly checking their credit reports for any unusual activity. More information, including additional tips, is available online at myfloridalegal.com.

I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a consumer protection update.]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:07:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/mccollum-promotes-national-protect-your-identity-week http://www.clickcaster.com/items/mccollum-promotes-national-protect-your-identity-week http://www.clickcaster.com/items/mccollum-promotes-national-protect-your-identity-week 3547085 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. This week is National Protect Your Identity Week, established to bring identity theft awareness and prevention programs to consumers nationwide.  Identity theft can take many forms, including child identity theft, mortgage fraud-related identity theft, and data breaches at businesses. Last year, Florida ranked fifth in the nation for the number of identity theft complaints, with more than 19,000 reported incidents.  Our citizens can protect themselves by learning about scams, protecting their personal information, and regularly checking their credit reports for any unusual activity. More information, including additional tips, is available online at myfloridalegal.com. I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a consumer protection update. no 0:44 McCollum promotes National Protect Your Identity week I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. This week is National Protect Your Identity Week, established to bring identity theft awareness and prevention programs to consumers nationwide.  Identity theft can take many forms, including child identity theft, mortgage fraud-related identity theft, and data breaches at businesses. Last year, Florida ranked fifth in the nation for the number of identity theft complaints, with more than 19,000 reported incidents.  Our citizens can protect themselves by learning about scams, protecting their personal information, and regularly checking their credit reports for any unusual activity. More information, including additional tips, is available online at myfloridalegal.com. I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a consumer protection update. McCollum Fights Mortgage Fraud I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.

This week, my Office of Statewide Prosecution filed criminal charges against an active mortgage fraud ring in South Florida, accusing them of more than $1 million in mortgage fraud against various financial institutions.

We also reached a multimillion dollar settlement with Bank of America and Countrywide which will provide much-needed relief to thousands of Florida homeowners who are in untenable situations because of Countrywide’s lending practices.

Mortgage fraud hurts the economy, the mortgage lenders, and all of Florida’s citizens, but the Attorney General’s Office will keep fighting on behalf of everyone affected by this type of illegal and destructive behavior.

I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a mortgage fraud update.]]> Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:14:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/mccollum-fights-mortgage-fraud http://www.clickcaster.com/items/mccollum-fights-mortgage-fraud http://www.clickcaster.com/items/mccollum-fights-mortgage-fraud 3546527 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. This week, my Office of Statewide Prosecution filed criminal charges against an active mortgage fraud ring in South Florida, accusing them of more than $1 million in mortgage fraud against various financial institutions. We also reached a multimillion dollar settlement with Bank of America and Countrywide which will provide much-needed relief to thousands of Florida homeowners who are in untenable situations because of Countrywide’s lending practices. Mortgage fraud hurts the economy, the mortgage lenders, and all of Florida’s citizens, but the Attorney General’s Office will keep fighting on behalf of everyone affected by this type of illegal and destructive behavior. I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a mortgage fraud update. no 0:40 McCollum Fights Mortgage Fraud I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. This week, my Office of Statewide Prosecution filed criminal charges against an active mortgage fraud ring in South Florida, accusing them of more than $1 million in mortgage fraud against various financial institutions. We also reached a multimillion dollar settlement with Bank of America and Countrywide which will provide much-needed relief to thousands of Florida homeowners who are in untenable situations because of Countrywide’s lending practices. Mortgage fraud hurts the economy, the mortgage lenders, and all of Florida’s citizens, but the Attorney General’s Office will keep fighting on behalf of everyone affected by this type of illegal and destructive behavior. I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a mortgage fraud update. Dangerous Gang Members Convicted I'm Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.

Yesterday, my Office of Statewide Prosecution won a huge victory for our state in the fight against violent criminal gangs. Two brothers who were members of a dangerous North Florida gang were convicted by a jury for criminal racketeering. 

One will face up to 60 years in prison and the other will face up to 90 years when they are sentenced next month. Five other members still face charges.

The case exemplifies the serious threat gangs pose to every part of our state – large cities and smaller communities alike. Only through statewide cooperation are we able to reclaim our state from these dangerous criminals.

I’m Bill McCollum and this has been an update from the Attorney General’s Office.

]]> Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:11:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/dangerous-gang-members-convicted http://www.clickcaster.com/items/dangerous-gang-members-convicted http://www.clickcaster.com/items/dangerous-gang-members-convicted 3546050 I'm Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Yesterday, my Office of Statewide Prosecution won a huge victory for our state in the fight against violent criminal gangs. Two brothers who were members of a dangerous North Florida gang were convicted by a jury for criminal racketeering.  One will face up to 60 years in prison and the other will face up to 90 years when they are sentenced next month. Five other members still face charges. The case exemplifies the serious threat gangs pose to every part of our state – large cities and smaller communities alike. Only through statewide cooperation are we able to reclaim our state from these dangerous criminals. I’m Bill McCollum and this has been an update from the Attorney General’s Office. no 0:37 Dangerous Gang Members Convicted I'm Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Yesterday, my Office of Statewide Prosecution won a huge victory for our state in the fight against violent criminal gangs. Two brothers who were members of a dangerous North Florida gang were convicted by a jury for criminal racketeering.  One will face up to 60 years in prison and the other will face up to 90 years when they are sentenced next month. Five other members still face charges. The case exemplifies the serious threat gangs pose to every part of our state – large cities and smaller communities alike. Only through statewide cooperation are we able to reclaim our state from these dangerous criminals. I’m Bill McCollum and this has been an update from the Attorney General’s Office. CyberSafety Program Gets Boost from School Resource Officers I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. 

Next week, our CyberSafety presentations will get an incredible boost from a partnership we have formed with the Florida Association of School Resource Officers, the sheriffs' deputies and police assigned to our schools. Throughout the state, School Resource Officers are being trained to give my CyberSafety presentation to the students in the middle and high schools they serve.

I am excited about this partnership because these men and women in uniform are already in a position to reach thousands of children who need to hear this important message of CyberSafety. 

We have already trained more than 450 officers and reached over 10,000 children in just the first month of school. This is excellent progress, and we’re just getting started.

I’m Bill McCollum and this has been a CyberSafety Update.]]> Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:46:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafety-program-gets-boost-from-school-resource-officers http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafety-program-gets-boost-from-school-resource-officers http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafety-program-gets-boost-from-school-resource-officers 3545303 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  Next week, our CyberSafety presentations will get an incredible boost from a partnership we have formed with the Florida Association of School Resource Officers, the sheriffs' deputies and police assigned to our schools. Throughout the state, School Resource Officers are being trained to give my CyberSafety presentation to the students in the middle and high schools they serve. I am excited about this partnership because these men and women in uniform are already in a position to reach thousands of children who need to hear this important message of CyberSafety.  We have already trained more than 450 officers and reached over 10,000 children in just the first month of school. This is excellent progress, and we’re just getting started. I’m Bill McCollum and this has been a CyberSafety Update. no 0:42 CyberSafety Program Gets Boost from School Resource Officers I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  Next week, our CyberSafety presentations will get an incredible boost from a partnership we have formed with the Florida Association of School Resource Officers, the sheriffs' deputies and police assigned to our schools. Throughout the state, School Resource Officers are being trained to give my CyberSafety presentation to the students in the middle and high schools they serve. I am excited about this partnership because these men and women in uniform are already in a position to reach thousands of children who need to hear this important message of CyberSafety.  We have already trained more than 450 officers and reached over 10,000 children in just the first month of school. This is excellent progress, and we’re just getting started. I’m Bill McCollum and this has been a CyberSafety Update. CyberSafety Program Ready for New School Year I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.

By now, most of Florida’s public schools have opened for the 2008-2009 school year and with a new school year comes new opportunities to learn about CyberSafety.

Last year, my 50-minute CyberSafety program reached more than 130,000 middle and high school students. Since then, the program on safeflorida.net has been upgraded and is now ready to be presented to this year’s students.

We know the program works because students have given us positive feedback about how they are now able to use the internet safely. Join us as we work to empower Florida’s children with these life-saving messages, found online at safeflorida.net.

I’m Bill McCollum and this has been a CyberSafety update.

]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:09:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafet-program-ready-for-new-school-year http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafet-program-ready-for-new-school-year http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafet-program-ready-for-new-school-year 3544879 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. By now, most of Florida’s public schools have opened for the 2008-2009 school year and with a new school year comes new opportunities to learn about CyberSafety. Last year, my 50-minute CyberSafety program reached more than 130,000 middle and high school students. Since then, the program on safeflorida.net has been upgraded and is now ready to be presented to this year’s students. We know the program works because students have given us positive feedback about how they are now able to use the internet safely. Join us as we work to empower Florida’s children with these life-saving messages, found online at safeflorida.net. I’m Bill McCollum and this has been a CyberSafety update. no CyberCrime Unit Operating at Full Strength I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.

With a total of five CyberCrime offices now operating around the state, our CyberCrime Unit is more aggressive than ever, tracking down child pornographers and arresting people who use the internet to sexually solicit children.

Today, we are able to send teams of law enforcement officers out immediately when we believe a predator is poised to strike. Our attorneys stand ready to prosecute the cases and we have victim advocates available to provide services to the children affected by these crimes.

With each predator we take offline, numerous children are made that much safer from the threat of internet exploitation.

I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a CyberCrime update.]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:09:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-unit-operating-at-full-strength http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-unit-operating-at-full-strength http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-unit-operating-at-full-strength 3544608 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. With a total of five CyberCrime offices now operating around the state, our CyberCrime Unit is more aggressive than ever, tracking down child pornographers and arresting people who use the internet to sexually solicit children. Today, we are able to send teams of law enforcement officers out immediately when we believe a predator is poised to strike. Our attorneys stand ready to prosecute the cases and we have victim advocates available to provide services to the children affected by these crimes. With each predator we take offline, numerous children are made that much safer from the threat of internet exploitation. I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a CyberCrime update. no 0:40 CyberCrime Unit Operating at Full Strength I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. With a total of five CyberCrime offices now operating around the state, our CyberCrime Unit is more aggressive than ever, tracking down child pornographers and arresting people who use the internet to sexually solicit children. Today, we are able to send teams of law enforcement officers out immediately when we believe a predator is poised to strike. Our attorneys stand ready to prosecute the cases and we have victim advocates available to provide services to the children affected by these crimes. With each predator we take offline, numerous children are made that much safer from the threat of internet exploitation. I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a CyberCrime update. CyberCrime Unit Makes Arrest on Pacific Coast I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. 

Just yesterday, my CyberCrime Unit wrapped up an investigation of a Washington state man who was soliciting someone he thought was a child, but was instead one of my undercover investigators. He also sent the investigator multiple images of child pornography. 

Thanks to cooperation from numerous law enforcement agencies, the man is now in custody and could face up to life in prison.  

I am pleased that my CyberCrime Unit has proven once again that while physical boundaries are virtually non-existent in the CyberCrime world, we are just as tenacious and effective at stopping the internet child predators, no matter where they are. 

I’m Attorney General Bill McCollum, and this has been a CyberCrime update.]]> Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:05:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-unit-makes-arrest-on-pacific-coast http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-unit-makes-arrest-on-pacific-coast http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-unit-makes-arrest-on-pacific-coast 3544380 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  Just yesterday, my CyberCrime Unit wrapped up an investigation of a Washington state man who was soliciting someone he thought was a child, but was instead one of my undercover investigators. He also sent the investigator multiple images of child pornography.  Thanks to cooperation from numerous law enforcement agencies, the man is now in custody and could face up to life in prison.   I am pleased that my CyberCrime Unit has proven once again that while physical boundaries are virtually non-existent in the CyberCrime world, we are just as tenacious and effective at stopping the internet child predators, no matter where they are.  I’m Attorney General Bill McCollum, and this has been a CyberCrime update. no 0:39 CyberCrime Unit Makes Arrest on Pacific Coast I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  Just yesterday, my CyberCrime Unit wrapped up an investigation of a Washington state man who was soliciting someone he thought was a child, but was instead one of my undercover investigators. He also sent the investigator multiple images of child pornography.  Thanks to cooperation from numerous law enforcement agencies, the man is now in custody and could face up to life in prison.   I am pleased that my CyberCrime Unit has proven once again that while physical boundaries are virtually non-existent in the CyberCrime world, we are just as tenacious and effective at stopping the internet child predators, no matter where they are.  I’m Attorney General Bill McCollum, and this has been a CyberCrime update. CyberCrime Office Expansion Continues I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.

 

Less than two years ago, the Attorney General’s CyberCrime Unit had six people working to investigate, arrest, and prosecute predators who either sexually solicited children online or possessed and distributed child pornography.

 

Next week, I will open the fifth and newest office of the CyberCrime Unit, completing our statewide expansion of an expert team that works tirelessly to protect our children from internet child predators.

 

These predators may never stop trying to victimize children, but I am proud that we have not backed down from this challenge. We are leading the charge to make the internet a safer place for our children.

 

I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a CyberCrime update.

]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:24:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-office-expansion-continues http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-office-expansion-continues http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-office-expansion-continues 3544018 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  Less than two years ago, the Attorney General’s CyberCrime Unit had six people working to investigate, arrest, and prosecute predators who either sexually solicited children online or possessed and distributed child pornography.  Next week, I will open the fifth and newest office of the CyberCrime Unit, completing our statewide expansion of an expert team that works tirelessly to protect our children from internet child predators.  These predators may never stop trying to victimize children, but I am proud that we have not backed down from this challenge. We are leading the charge to make the internet a safer place for our children.  I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a CyberCrime update. no 0:38 CyberCrime Office Expansion Continues I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  Less than two years ago, the Attorney General’s CyberCrime Unit had six people working to investigate, arrest, and prosecute predators who either sexually solicited children online or possessed and distributed child pornography.  Next week, I will open the fifth and newest office of the CyberCrime Unit, completing our statewide expansion of an expert team that works tirelessly to protect our children from internet child predators.  These predators may never stop trying to victimize children, but I am proud that we have not backed down from this challenge. We are leading the charge to make the internet a safer place for our children.  I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a CyberCrime update. CyberCrime Unit Launches Task Force in Tampa I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.

 

Today my CyberCrime Unit opened a brand new office in Tampa, expanding our ability to protect Florida’s children from internet child predators.

 

This new office will be a task force of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies all working together to investigate, arrest and prosecute child pornographers and people who solicit children online for sex.

 

I'm excited about this new office and the dedicated members of the CyberCrime task force who will be carrying out this important mission.

 

Thanks to this new office, we now have more resources to protect our children.

 

I’m Attorney General Bill McCollum, and this has been a CyberCrime update.

]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:06:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-unit-launches-task-force-in-tampa http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-unit-launches-task-force-in-tampa http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-unit-launches-task-force-in-tampa 3543496 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  Today my CyberCrime Unit opened a brand new office in Tampa, expanding our ability to protect Florida’s children from internet child predators.  This new office will be a task force of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies all working together to investigate, arrest and prosecute child pornographers and people who solicit children online for sex.  I'm excited about this new office and the dedicated members of the CyberCrime task force who will be carrying out this important mission.  Thanks to this new office, we now have more resources to protect our children.  I’m Attorney General Bill McCollum, and this has been a CyberCrime update. no 0:35 CyberCrime Unit Launches Task Force in Tampa I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  Today my CyberCrime Unit opened a brand new office in Tampa, expanding our ability to protect Florida’s children from internet child predators.  This new office will be a task force of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies all working together to investigate, arrest and prosecute child pornographers and people who solicit children online for sex.  I'm excited about this new office and the dedicated members of the CyberCrime task force who will be carrying out this important mission.  Thanks to this new office, we now have more resources to protect our children.  I’m Attorney General Bill McCollum, and this has been a CyberCrime update. CyberSafety Challenge Winners Announced I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.

 

This week, I announced the winners of my CyberSafety Challenge, issued to encourage Florida’s principals to sign their schools up for my CyberSafety presentations.

 

Taylor County was the first to register all of its schools and Miami-Dade County registered more schools than any other district during the 2007-2008 school year. Overall, more than 300 schools and 132,000 students received the life-saving presentation about internet safety.

 

Next year, we’re enlisting Florida’s school resource officers to help bring this program to all of Florida’s middle and high schools. I believe every student should learn about and practice safe internet use.

 

I’m Bill McCollum and this has been a CyberSafety update.

]]> Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:30:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafety-challenge-winners-announced http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafety-challenge-winners-announced http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafety-challenge-winners-announced 3543154 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  This week, I announced the winners of my CyberSafety Challenge, issued to encourage Florida’s principals to sign their schools up for my CyberSafety presentations.  Taylor County was the first to register all of its schools and Miami-Dade County registered more schools than any other district during the 2007-2008 school year. Overall, more than 300 schools and 132,000 students received the life-saving presentation about internet safety.  Next year, we’re enlisting Florida’s school resource officers to help bring this program to all of Florida’s middle and high schools. I believe every student should learn about and practice safe internet use.  I’m Bill McCollum and this has been a CyberSafety update. no 0:42 CyberSafety Challenge Winners Announced I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  This week, I announced the winners of my CyberSafety Challenge, issued to encourage Florida’s principals to sign their schools up for my CyberSafety presentations.  Taylor County was the first to register all of its schools and Miami-Dade County registered more schools than any other district during the 2007-2008 school year. Overall, more than 300 schools and 132,000 students received the life-saving presentation about internet safety.  Next year, we’re enlisting Florida’s school resource officers to help bring this program to all of Florida’s middle and high schools. I believe every student should learn about and practice safe internet use.  I’m Bill McCollum and this has been a CyberSafety update. Attorney General's CyberSafety Update for 2007-2008 School Year I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.

Today marks the final day of CyberSafety presentations by my office for this school year. We’ve reached more than 125,000 middle and high school students statewide with this life-saving message.

I’m proud to report this past year every school district in Florida registered at least one school for these presentations. But we must do more. Next year, our goal is to reach every middle and high school in Florida. With the amount of child pornography and the number of internet child predators lurking online, education is crucial to protecting our children.

I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been an update from the Attorney General’s Office.]]> Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:53:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/attorney-general-s-cybersafety-update-for-2007-2008-school-year http://www.clickcaster.com/items/attorney-general-s-cybersafety-update-for-2007-2008-school-year http://www.clickcaster.com/items/attorney-general-s-cybersafety-update-for-2007-2008-school-year 3542707 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Today marks the final day of CyberSafety presentations by my office for this school year. We’ve reached more than 125,000 middle and high school students statewide with this life-saving message. I’m proud to report this past year every school district in Florida registered at least one school for these presentations. But we must do more. Next year, our goal is to reach every middle and high school in Florida. With the amount of child pornography and the number of internet child predators lurking online, education is crucial to protecting our children. I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been an update from the Attorney General’s Office. no 0:35 Attorney General's CyberSafety Update for 2007-2008 School Year I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Today marks the final day of CyberSafety presentations by my office for this school year. We’ve reached more than 125,000 middle and high school students statewide with this life-saving message. I’m proud to report this past year every school district in Florida registered at least one school for these presentations. But we must do more. Next year, our goal is to reach every middle and high school in Florida. With the amount of child pornography and the number of internet child predators lurking online, education is crucial to protecting our children. I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been an update from the Attorney General’s Office. Florida Joins National Take 25 Campaign I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.

This Sunday, May 25th, is National Missing Children’s Day, and together with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, my office is participating in the annual Take 25 Campaign.


This campaign is designed to encourage parents and guardians to take 25 minutes to talk to children about safety. In today’s tech-savvy environment, CyberSafety is one of the most important aspects of keeping our children safe.

Parents, nothing is more important than having this conversation with your children. Every day, 77 million children use the internet, and of those ages 10-17, one out of every seven will be solicited over the internet for sex. One of those children could be your own.

I invite all of Florida’s parents, guardians, teachers and other adults with children in their lives to take 25 minutes to talk with those children about staying safe online. More information, including tips for parents talking about internet safety, is available on my SafeSurf website at safeflorida.net.

Please join us as we continue working to protect Florida’s children.]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 16:02:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/florida-joins-national-take-25-campaign http://www.clickcaster.com/items/florida-joins-national-take-25-campaign http://www.clickcaster.com/items/florida-joins-national-take-25-campaign 3542369 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. This Sunday, May 25th, is National Missing Children’s Day, and together with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, my office is participating in the annual Take 25 Campaign. This campaign is designed to encourage parents and guardians to take 25 minutes to talk to children about safety. In today’s tech-savvy environment, CyberSafety is one of the most important aspects of keeping our children safe. Parents, nothing is more important than having this conversation with your children. Every day, 77 million children use the internet, and of those ages 10-17, one out of every seven will be solicited over the internet for sex. One of those children could be your own. I invite all of Florida’s parents, guardians, teachers and other adults with children in their lives to take 25 minutes to talk with those children about staying safe online. More information, including tips for parents talking about internet safety, is available on my SafeSurf website at safeflorida.net. Please join us as we continue working to protect Florida’s children. no 0:59 Florida Joins National Take 25 Campaign I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. This Sunday, May 25th, is National Missing Children’s Day, and together with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, my office is participating in the annual Take 25 Campaign. This campaign is designed to encourage parents and guardians to take 25 minutes to talk to children about safety. In today’s tech-savvy environment, CyberSafety is one of the most important aspects of keeping our children safe. Parents, nothing is more important than having this conversation with your children. Every day, 77 million children use the internet, and of those ages 10-17, one out of every seven will be solicited over the internet for sex. One of those children could be your own. I invite all of Florida’s parents, guardians, teachers and other adults with children in their lives to take 25 minutes to talk with those children about staying safe online. More information, including tips for parents talking about internet safety, is available on my SafeSurf website at safeflorida.net. Please join us as we continue working to protect Florida’s children. CyberSafety Message Reaches 100,000 Students I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  

Today, our CyberSafety initiative has reached an important milestone. We have presented our 50-minute CyberSafety program to more than 100,000 middle and high school students throughout the state of Florida. 

Internet child predators are aggressive and very tech-savvy. Education will be the key to winning this fight to keep our children safe online. Every single child we have reached with this message now has the tools to protect him or herself on the internet.  

Our children need to know the facts and must be ready to help us catch these predators before they can hurt others. I am certain these CyberSafety tools – now in the hands of 100,000 children – can and will save lives. 

We’re going to keep working to make sure we reach as many students as possible, but we need the help of every parent, grandparent, and teacher in Florida. For more information, or to request a CyberSafety presentation for your child’s school, please visit my SafeSurf website at safeflorida.net. 

Together, we can empower our children with this important CyberSafety message.]]> Thu, 08 May 2008 10:35:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafety-message-reaches-100-000-students http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafety-message-reaches-100-000-students http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafety-message-reaches-100-000-students 3541913 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.   Today, our CyberSafety initiative has reached an important milestone. We have presented our 50-minute CyberSafety program to more than 100,000 middle and high school students throughout the state of Florida.  Internet child predators are aggressive and very tech-savvy. Education will be the key to winning this fight to keep our children safe online. Every single child we have reached with this message now has the tools to protect him or herself on the internet.   Our children need to know the facts and must be ready to help us catch these predators before they can hurt others. I am certain these CyberSafety tools – now in the hands of 100,000 children – can and will save lives.  We’re going to keep working to make sure we reach as many students as possible, but we need the help of every parent, grandparent, and teacher in Florida. For more information, or to request a CyberSafety presentation for your child’s school, please visit my SafeSurf website at safeflorida.net.  Together, we can empower our children with this important CyberSafety message. no 0:58 CyberSafety Message Reaches 100,000 Students I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.   Today, our CyberSafety initiative has reached an important milestone. We have presented our 50-minute CyberSafety program to more than 100,000 middle and high school students throughout the state of Florida.  Internet child predators are aggressive and very tech-savvy. Education will be the key to winning this fight to keep our children safe online. Every single child we have reached with this message now has the tools to protect him or herself on the internet.   Our children need to know the facts and must be ready to help us catch these predators before they can hurt others. I am certain these CyberSafety tools – now in the hands of 100,000 children – can and will save lives.  We’re going to keep working to make sure we reach as many students as possible, but we need the help of every parent, grandparent, and teacher in Florida. For more information, or to request a CyberSafety presentation for your child’s school, please visit my SafeSurf website at safeflorida.net.  Together, we can empower our children with this important CyberSafety message. Attorney General Recognizes CyberCrime Awareness Week Hi, I’m Bill McCollum. The Florida Cabinet has designated this week in April as CyberCrime Awareness Week. We know a tough law enforcement stance against cyber-criminals is important, but we must also focus on education and prevention.

 

In the Attorney General’s Office, there are more than 100 members of my staff who have voluntarily taken up the charge to educate middle and high school students about CyberSafety. We have developed, and they are presenting, a 50-minute program that uses real-life stories our children can relate to, to teach them about safe internet use.

 

We have also developed a website for children, teenagers, adults and school principals to provide CyberSafety information unique to each group. We encourage all of Florida’s middle and high school principals to visit the SafeSurf website at www.safeflorida.net and register their schools for cybersafety presentations.

 

My CyberCrime Unit will continue investigating and arresting those who use the internet to prey on children, but it’s also up to the kids to help protect themselves. Together, we will keep working to make the internet a safer place for Florida’s children.

]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:17:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/attorney-general-recognizes-cybercrime-awareness-week http://www.clickcaster.com/items/attorney-general-recognizes-cybercrime-awareness-week http://www.clickcaster.com/items/attorney-general-recognizes-cybercrime-awareness-week 3541355 Hi, I’m Bill McCollum. The Florida Cabinet has designated this week in April as CyberCrime Awareness Week. We know a tough law enforcement stance against cyber-criminals is important, but we must also focus on education and prevention.  In the Attorney General’s Office, there are more than 100 members of my staff who have voluntarily taken up the charge to educate middle and high school students about CyberSafety. We have developed, and they are presenting, a 50-minute program that uses real-life stories our children can relate to, to teach them about safe internet use.  We have also developed a website for children, teenagers, adults and school principals to provide CyberSafety information unique to each group. We encourage all of Florida’s middle and high school principals to visit the SafeSurf website at www.safeflorida.net and register their schools for cybersafety presentations.  My CyberCrime Unit will continue investigating and arresting those who use the internet to prey on children, but it’s also up to the kids to help protect themselves. Together, we will keep working to make the internet a safer place for Florida’s children. no 0:55 Attorney General Recognizes CyberCrime Awareness Week Hi, I’m Bill McCollum. The Florida Cabinet has designated this week in April as CyberCrime Awareness Week. We know a tough law enforcement stance against cyber-criminals is important, but we must also focus on education and prevention.  In the Attorney General’s Office, there are more than 100 members of my staff who have voluntarily taken up the charge to educate middle and high school students about CyberSafety. We have developed, and they are presenting, a 50-minute program that uses real-life stories our children can relate to, to teach them about safe internet use.  We have also developed a website for children, teenagers, adults and school principals to provide CyberSafety information unique to each group. We encourage all of Florida’s middle and high school principals to visit the SafeSurf website at www.safeflorida.net and register their schools for cybersafety presentations.  My CyberCrime Unit will continue investigating and arresting those who use the internet to prey on children, but it’s also up to the kids to help protect themselves. Together, we will keep working to make the internet a safer place for Florida’s children. CyberCrime Law Enables Strong Sentence for Sex Traveler I'm Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. 

Earlier this week, my CyberCrime Unit prosecuted an individual for traveling to meet someone he thought was a 14-year old girl, intending to have sex with that child. 

Instead, he met my CyberCrime investigators and was charged under the CyberCrimes Against Children Act of 2007. 

This important piece of legislation – which I helped develop – has given our state some of the strongest laws in the nation against internet child predators. 

Thanks to the CyberCrime law, this man from Central Florida will be spending the next 15 years in prison. He is the first person my unit prosecuted who was sentenced under the new law. 

We can and we will continue making these cases against the people who use the internet to prey on our children. 

This law will help the Attorney General’s Office make Florida a safer place for our children.]]> Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:55:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-law-enables-strong-sentence-for-sex-traveler http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-law-enables-strong-sentence-for-sex-traveler http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-law-enables-strong-sentence-for-sex-traveler 3540745 I'm Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  Earlier this week, my CyberCrime Unit prosecuted an individual for traveling to meet someone he thought was a 14-year old girl, intending to have sex with that child.  Instead, he met my CyberCrime investigators and was charged under the CyberCrimes Against Children Act of 2007.  This important piece of legislation – which I helped develop – has given our state some of the strongest laws in the nation against internet child predators.  Thanks to the CyberCrime law, this man from Central Florida will be spending the next 15 years in prison. He is the first person my unit prosecuted who was sentenced under the new law.  We can and we will continue making these cases against the people who use the internet to prey on our children.  This law will help the Attorney General’s Office make Florida a safer place for our children. no 0:43 CyberCrime Law Enables Strong Sentence for Sex Traveler I'm Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.  Earlier this week, my CyberCrime Unit prosecuted an individual for traveling to meet someone he thought was a 14-year old girl, intending to have sex with that child.  Instead, he met my CyberCrime investigators and was charged under the CyberCrimes Against Children Act of 2007.  This important piece of legislation – which I helped develop – has given our state some of the strongest laws in the nation against internet child predators.  Thanks to the CyberCrime law, this man from Central Florida will be spending the next 15 years in prison. He is the first person my unit prosecuted who was sentenced under the new law.  We can and we will continue making these cases against the people who use the internet to prey on our children.  This law will help the Attorney General’s Office make Florida a safer place for our children. CyberSafety Messages Reaches More Than 50,000 Students I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Here in Florida we have expanded our efforts to keep our children safe online. My office has a dedicated cybercrime unit that is spending every day tracking down these predators. 

But investigation and prosecution is only half of that battle. Education will be the key to winning this fight. My office has developed and is presenting a 50-minute cybersafety program to middle and high school students throughout the state to educate children about safe internet use. 

Just last week, we reached the 50,000 student mark. But we need to reach them all. Every parent, grandparent, teacher and child needs to know the facts and must be ready to help us catch these predators before they can hurt other children. 

For more information or to request a cybersafety presentation at your child’s school, please visit my website safeflorida.net. Together, we can help protect Florida’s children.]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:18:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafety-messages-reaches-more-than-50-000-students http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafety-messages-reaches-more-than-50-000-students http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybersafety-messages-reaches-more-than-50-000-students 3540215 I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Here in Florida we have expanded our efforts to keep our children safe online. My office has a dedicated cybercrime unit that is spending every day tracking down these predators.  But investigation and prosecution is only half of that battle. Education will be the key to winning this fight. My office has developed and is presenting a 50-minute cybersafety program to middle and high school students throughout the state to educate children about safe internet use.  Just last week, we reached the 50,000 student mark. But we need to reach them all. Every parent, grandparent, teacher and child needs to know the facts and must be ready to help us catch these predators before they can hurt other children.  For more information or to request a cybersafety presentation at your child’s school, please visit my website safeflorida.net. Together, we can help protect Florida’s children. no 0:47 CyberSafety Messages Reaches More Than 50,000 Students I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Here in Florida we have expanded our efforts to keep our children safe online. My office has a dedicated cybercrime unit that is spending every day tracking down these predators.  But investigation and prosecution is only half of that battle. Education will be the key to winning this fight. My office has developed and is presenting a 50-minute cybersafety program to middle and high school students throughout the state to educate children about safe internet use.  Just last week, we reached the 50,000 student mark. But we need to reach them all. Every parent, grandparent, teacher and child needs to know the facts and must be ready to help us catch these predators before they can hurt other children.  For more information or to request a cybersafety presentation at your child’s school, please visit my website safeflorida.net. Together, we can help protect Florida’s children. CyberCrime Unit opens South Florida office Every day, millions of children use the internet, and unfortunately every day, internet child predators go online and hunt for their next victim. Nationally, one out of every seven children between the ages of 10 and 17 will be sexually solicited over the internet.

In Florida, we’re committed to fighting those odds. My office has a dedicated CyberCrime Unit which polices the internet, protecting children and bringing down the predators.  Last spring, the Florida Legislature saw a need for the CyberCrime Unit’s efforts to cover the entire state and gave us the resources to expand our CyberCrime Unit statewide. Since then, we have fully built out our Jacksonville headquarters and have opened the first new office in Orlando. 

Last Friday, we opened our third office, located in Ft. Lauderdale, to serve South Florida. This office will give us an important presence in a region where we will be joining a skilled and dedicated community of both law enforcement and prosecutors. 

These cooperative efforts and our partnerships with local, state and federal authorities are essential to combat these internet child predators and to enhance our Unit’s work on a statewide level. Together, we are making Florida a safer place for children and families.]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2008 07:18:00 -0500 http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-unit-opens-south-florida-office http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-unit-opens-south-florida-office http://www.clickcaster.com/items/cybercrime-unit-opens-south-florida-office 3539505 Every day, millions of children use the internet, and unfortunately every day, internet child predators go online and hunt for their next victim. Nationally, one out of every seven children between the ages of 10 and 17 will be sexually solicited over the internet. In Florida, we’re committed to fighting those odds. My office has a dedicated CyberCrime Unit which polices the internet, protecting children and bringing down the predators.  Last spring, the Florida Legislature saw a need for the CyberCrime Unit’s efforts to cover the entire state and gave us the resources to expand our CyberCrime Unit statewide. Since then, we have fully built out our Jacksonville headquarters and have opened the first new office in Orlando.  Last Friday, we opened our third office, located in Ft. Lauderdale, to serve South Florida. This office will give us an important presence in a region where we will be joining a skilled and dedicated community of both law enforcement and prosecutors.  These cooperative efforts and our partnerships with local, state and federal authorities are essential to combat these internet child predators and to enhance our Unit’s work on a statewide level. Together, we are making Florida a safer place for children and families. no 1:00 CyberCrime Unit opens South Florida office Every day, millions of children use the internet, and unfortunately every day, internet child predators go online and hunt for their next victim. Nationally, one out of every seven children between the ages of 10 and 17 will be sexually solicited over the internet. In Florida, we’re committed to fighting those odds. My office has a dedicated CyberCrime Unit which polices the internet, protecting children and bringing down the predators.  Last spring, the Florida Legislature saw a need for the CyberCrime Unit’s efforts to cover the entire state and gave us the resources to expand our CyberCrime Unit statewide. Since then, we have fully built out our Jacksonville headquarters and have opened the first new office in Orlando.  Last Friday, we opened our third office, located in Ft. Lauderdale, to serve South Florida. This office will give us an important presence in a region where we will be joining a skilled and dedicated community of both law enforcement and prosecutors.  These cooperative efforts and our partnerships with local, state and federal authorities are essential to combat these internet child predators and to enhance our Unit’s work on a statewide level. Together, we are making Florida a safer place for children and families.