Monday, February 7, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
ID. Stalked: Someone's Watching ....Psychology of Stalking
The Psychology of Stalking
by Colleen Cancio
edited by Kevin P. Allen
http://investigation.discovery.com/investigation/stalking/stalking-psychology.html
For many people, the idea of stalking calls to mind a creepy psychopath lurking in the shadows with a pair of binoculars trained on a beauty queen or Hollywood starlet. But the reality of stalking is much more mundane. The vast majority of stalkers were once romantically or socially involved with their victims. In many cases, the obsessive behavior began before the relationship ended.
Loosely defined, stalking refers to one person's obsessive behavior toward someone else and the fear that it causes. Stalking is rooted in the need to gain control or power over the person being stalked. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, it most often involves attempts to make contact with the object of the stalker's obsession. These unwanted communications may be friendly or romantic, though more commonly they're designed to frighten, intimidate, or embarrass their targets. Other common forms of stalking include lying in wait or spying on someone, as well as making unannounced visits to the victim's home. In extreme cases, stalking can be accompanied by breaking and entering, vandalism, acts of violence or even murder.
Historically, stalking has been a difficult crime to prosecute. Stalkers are often adept at intimidating or harassing their victims while keeping a distance. The good news is that over the past two decades, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws to address stalking.
In this article we examine the psychology of stalking, including the motivations for such behavior and what victims can do to protect themselves. But first, let's take a quick look at who's stalking whom in the U.S.
There is no clear profile of a stalker, though people with problems such as substance abuse or a personality disorder are more likely to engage in stalking behavior. And although both men and women are known to stalk and be stalked, the vast majority of stalkers are male and the bulk of victims are female.
Generally speaking, the motivations for stalking are different between male and female stalkers, with women more often targeting people within their work environment. According to a study by a team of Australian researchers, women are also more likely to seek an intimate relationship with the object of their obsession, while men's motivations for stalking range from a desire to be intimate to an urge to dominate or inflict harm.
People in certain professions are more vulnerable to being stalked, especially those in which a person has close contact with lonely and disturbed individuals. For example, physicians and psychiatrists are common targets for stalking. This is because the medical professional's role as caregiver can be misinterpreted as romantic interest.
Keep in mind that since most instances of stalking involve current or former intimate partners, there may be warning signs during the relationship. Some examples are extreme jealousy, an urge to dominate one's partner, and an inability to sympathize with his or her point of view. Many people display these behaviors in mild forms. But when it begins to escalate, it may indicate a serious problem. In the next section, we look at when and how low-level stalking can grow to include more serious criminal activity.
Next: Who's stalking whom?
by Colleen Cancio
edited by Kevin P. Allen
http://investigation.discovery.com/investigation/stalking/stalking-psychology.html
For many people, the idea of stalking calls to mind a creepy psychopath lurking in the shadows with a pair of binoculars trained on a beauty queen or Hollywood starlet. But the reality of stalking is much more mundane. The vast majority of stalkers were once romantically or socially involved with their victims. In many cases, the obsessive behavior began before the relationship ended.
Loosely defined, stalking refers to one person's obsessive behavior toward someone else and the fear that it causes. Stalking is rooted in the need to gain control or power over the person being stalked. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, it most often involves attempts to make contact with the object of the stalker's obsession. These unwanted communications may be friendly or romantic, though more commonly they're designed to frighten, intimidate, or embarrass their targets. Other common forms of stalking include lying in wait or spying on someone, as well as making unannounced visits to the victim's home. In extreme cases, stalking can be accompanied by breaking and entering, vandalism, acts of violence or even murder.
Historically, stalking has been a difficult crime to prosecute. Stalkers are often adept at intimidating or harassing their victims while keeping a distance. The good news is that over the past two decades, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws to address stalking.
In this article we examine the psychology of stalking, including the motivations for such behavior and what victims can do to protect themselves. But first, let's take a quick look at who's stalking whom in the U.S.
There is no clear profile of a stalker, though people with problems such as substance abuse or a personality disorder are more likely to engage in stalking behavior. And although both men and women are known to stalk and be stalked, the vast majority of stalkers are male and the bulk of victims are female.
Generally speaking, the motivations for stalking are different between male and female stalkers, with women more often targeting people within their work environment. According to a study by a team of Australian researchers, women are also more likely to seek an intimate relationship with the object of their obsession, while men's motivations for stalking range from a desire to be intimate to an urge to dominate or inflict harm.
People in certain professions are more vulnerable to being stalked, especially those in which a person has close contact with lonely and disturbed individuals. For example, physicians and psychiatrists are common targets for stalking. This is because the medical professional's role as caregiver can be misinterpreted as romantic interest.
Keep in mind that since most instances of stalking involve current or former intimate partners, there may be warning signs during the relationship. Some examples are extreme jealousy, an urge to dominate one's partner, and an inability to sympathize with his or her point of view. Many people display these behaviors in mild forms. But when it begins to escalate, it may indicate a serious problem. In the next section, we look at when and how low-level stalking can grow to include more serious criminal activity.
Next: Who's stalking whom?
Monday, January 24, 2011
INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY STALKED: SOMEONE'S WATCHING
INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY EXPOSES CHILLING STORIES
OF DANGEROUS OBSESSIONS IN STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING
– In Recognition of National Stalking Awareness Month in January, Investigation Discovery Showcases the National Center for Victims of Crimes’ Stalking Resource Center –
(Silver Spring, MD) – From obsessed former lovers to unrelenting acquaintances fueled by the thrill of the chase, stalkers can have a range of motivations, but all instill a perpetual fear within their victims. With over three million people falling victim to stalking in the United States each year, this widely misunderstood crime reaches far beyond celebrities and people in the public eye. STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING profiles six emotional stories of stalking victims and explores the twisted psychology of the people who relentlessly pursued them. As the first president to issue a National Stalking Awareness Month proclamation, President Obama earlier this month helped focus national attention on this serious crime and stressed the challenges in recognizing and combating stalking. In recognition of National Stalking Awareness Month, STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING premieres on Monday, January 24 at 10:30 PM ET on Investigation Discovery, America’s leading investigation network and the fastest growing network in television.
“Nearly 80 percent of women who were murdered by an intimate partner were stalked by that partner prior to their murder, so dismissing stalking as a nuisance can be a grave mistake for victims and law enforcement,” said Henry Schleiff, president and general manager of Investigation Discovery. “In connection with National Stalking Awareness Month and ID’s ongoing commitment to support the Department of Justice’s commemoration of the Violence Against Women Act, we hope that STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING will help to raise awareness of the dangers of stalking, provide effective measures to protect oneself and inform communities about the need for stronger stalking laws.”
Leading viewers through these tales of obsession is Michelle Ward, PhD., a criminal psychologist whose expertise is neuroscience and who has personal experience as a stalking victim. Throughout each episode, Dr. Ward provides insight into the possible thoughts and motivations of the stalker and offers viewers important information that they can use to protect themselves. Viewers receive practical tips such as: alert law enforcement if you believe you are being stalked; document all interactions between yourself and your alleged stalker in a detailed log; inform your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers with a description of your alleged stalker; and develop a safety plan that includes varying daily schedules and avoiding traveling alone. The stories covered in STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING include intimate partners stalking their former loves; neighbors who become compulsively vindictive as friendships cross the line; and, acts of relatively random stalking where the culprit barely knows their victim or where their interest develops from a seemingly harmless crush into a dangerous obsession. Victims and their families also recount their personal experiences and provide first-hand insight into effective steps they took to protect themselves from the insidious behavior employed by their stalkers.
The first story profiled on STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING contributed directly to January being designated in the United States as National Stalking Awareness Month. Peggy Klinke’s family has transformed her tragic death into a rallying cry to strengthen stalking legislation, educate law enforcement and inform the general public about resources available to victims. Investigation Discovery’s partner, The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC), operates the Stalking Resource Center, which has a dual mission to raise awareness of stalking and to encourage the development and implementation of multidisciplinary responses to stalking in local communities across the country. In conjunction with the premiere of STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING and National Stalking Awareness Month, InvestigationDiscovery.com/stalked features resources and videos that present valuable information about protective measures, as well as links to NCVC’s Stalking Resource Center (www.NCVC.org/src), which features comprehensive materials.
STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING is produced by Atlas Media Corporation for Investigation Discovery with Bruce David Klein as executive producer; Lorri Leighton and Cheryl Miller Houser as co-executive producers. For Investigation Discovery, Diana Sperrazza is executive producer, Sara Kozak is vice president of production and Henry Schleiff is president and general manager.
About Investigation Discovery
Investigation Discovery (ID), America’s leading investigation network, is the source for fact-based investigative content about culture, history and the human condition. Providing the highest quality investigative programming focused on fascinating stories of human nature from the past to the present, Investigation Discovery’s in-depth documentaries and series challenge viewers on important issues shaping our culture and defining our world. As the premier authority in real investigations, ID is expanding partnerships with established news organizations and production companies to bring the strongest analytic, factual investigative and current affairs programming to over 70 million U.S. households. For more information, please visit investigationdiscovery.com.
Please visit the Press Website at http://press.discovery.com/us/id/ for additional press materials, screeners, and photography
OF DANGEROUS OBSESSIONS IN STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING
– In Recognition of National Stalking Awareness Month in January, Investigation Discovery Showcases the National Center for Victims of Crimes’ Stalking Resource Center –
(Silver Spring, MD) – From obsessed former lovers to unrelenting acquaintances fueled by the thrill of the chase, stalkers can have a range of motivations, but all instill a perpetual fear within their victims. With over three million people falling victim to stalking in the United States each year, this widely misunderstood crime reaches far beyond celebrities and people in the public eye. STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING profiles six emotional stories of stalking victims and explores the twisted psychology of the people who relentlessly pursued them. As the first president to issue a National Stalking Awareness Month proclamation, President Obama earlier this month helped focus national attention on this serious crime and stressed the challenges in recognizing and combating stalking. In recognition of National Stalking Awareness Month, STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING premieres on Monday, January 24 at 10:30 PM ET on Investigation Discovery, America’s leading investigation network and the fastest growing network in television.
“Nearly 80 percent of women who were murdered by an intimate partner were stalked by that partner prior to their murder, so dismissing stalking as a nuisance can be a grave mistake for victims and law enforcement,” said Henry Schleiff, president and general manager of Investigation Discovery. “In connection with National Stalking Awareness Month and ID’s ongoing commitment to support the Department of Justice’s commemoration of the Violence Against Women Act, we hope that STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING will help to raise awareness of the dangers of stalking, provide effective measures to protect oneself and inform communities about the need for stronger stalking laws.”
Leading viewers through these tales of obsession is Michelle Ward, PhD., a criminal psychologist whose expertise is neuroscience and who has personal experience as a stalking victim. Throughout each episode, Dr. Ward provides insight into the possible thoughts and motivations of the stalker and offers viewers important information that they can use to protect themselves. Viewers receive practical tips such as: alert law enforcement if you believe you are being stalked; document all interactions between yourself and your alleged stalker in a detailed log; inform your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers with a description of your alleged stalker; and develop a safety plan that includes varying daily schedules and avoiding traveling alone. The stories covered in STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING include intimate partners stalking their former loves; neighbors who become compulsively vindictive as friendships cross the line; and, acts of relatively random stalking where the culprit barely knows their victim or where their interest develops from a seemingly harmless crush into a dangerous obsession. Victims and their families also recount their personal experiences and provide first-hand insight into effective steps they took to protect themselves from the insidious behavior employed by their stalkers.
The first story profiled on STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING contributed directly to January being designated in the United States as National Stalking Awareness Month. Peggy Klinke’s family has transformed her tragic death into a rallying cry to strengthen stalking legislation, educate law enforcement and inform the general public about resources available to victims. Investigation Discovery’s partner, The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC), operates the Stalking Resource Center, which has a dual mission to raise awareness of stalking and to encourage the development and implementation of multidisciplinary responses to stalking in local communities across the country. In conjunction with the premiere of STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING and National Stalking Awareness Month, InvestigationDiscovery.com/stalked features resources and videos that present valuable information about protective measures, as well as links to NCVC’s Stalking Resource Center (www.NCVC.org/src), which features comprehensive materials.
STALKED: SOMEONE’S WATCHING is produced by Atlas Media Corporation for Investigation Discovery with Bruce David Klein as executive producer; Lorri Leighton and Cheryl Miller Houser as co-executive producers. For Investigation Discovery, Diana Sperrazza is executive producer, Sara Kozak is vice president of production and Henry Schleiff is president and general manager.
About Investigation Discovery
Investigation Discovery (ID), America’s leading investigation network, is the source for fact-based investigative content about culture, history and the human condition. Providing the highest quality investigative programming focused on fascinating stories of human nature from the past to the present, Investigation Discovery’s in-depth documentaries and series challenge viewers on important issues shaping our culture and defining our world. As the premier authority in real investigations, ID is expanding partnerships with established news organizations and production companies to bring the strongest analytic, factual investigative and current affairs programming to over 70 million U.S. households. For more information, please visit investigationdiscovery.com.
Please visit the Press Website at http://press.discovery.com/us/id/ for additional press materials, screeners, and photography
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Failure of the state of NJ to prosecute stalking - January 2011
Dear Governor Christie and Lt Governor Guadagno,
NJ passed a stalking law in March of 2009 written by the Detective assigned to my case incorporating third party stalking and elevating the level of the crime. The law is not being upheld . When the stalking escalated in the summer of 2009 and I began to receive voicemail death threats, the Monmouth County Prosecutors office declined the case because I had not been physically harmed. I reached out to Lynn Rosenthal at the White House Office on Violence Against Women. The US attorney took control of my case and in 6 weeks the FBI identified the third party stalker who was using a throw away cell phone. The man admitted stalking and threatening me to Marlboro Sgt Yenisey and FBI Agent RJ Gallagher and then he lawyered up. The man committed suicide on Jan 4, 2010 to avoid facing federal prosecution.
The stalking didn't end with his death. Three weeks after Crime Victim Compensation paid for me to relocate and 3 years after I stopped receiving calls from Spanish speaking men, they began again. I filed the most recent police report on New Years Day and i just received another call from the same number calling me in October. My pleas for help to Attorney General Dow have gone unanswered.
The third party stalker apprehended by the FBI was calling me 4 hours before my flights to and from Miami in June of 2009. My itinerary was displayed on my American Express card statement. The third party stalker gave my American Express Card to a man in NYC who began to use the card to order food and deliver it to his apartment. American Express found 5 IP addresses accessing my online account. The Monmouth County Prosecutors office sent detectives into NYC in Sept of 2009 to question the man using my credit card but they failed to follow up until months later after Joe's suicide. The man fraudulently using my Amex card lived 5 doors down from the 5th Precinct in NYC. Now the Manhattan DA is trying to prosecute a case that belongs in NJ and a case that has gone ignored for over a decade.
The Justice Department gave NJ $3.6 million dollars in 2009 to fight Violence Against Women. What happened to the money?
Sincerely,
Karen Welch
C: Vice President Joseph Biden
Lynn Rosenthal, Director of the White House Office on Violence Against Women
Susan Carbon, Director of the Violence Against Women Office at the Justice Department
NJ passed a stalking law in March of 2009 written by the Detective assigned to my case incorporating third party stalking and elevating the level of the crime. The law is not being upheld . When the stalking escalated in the summer of 2009 and I began to receive voicemail death threats, the Monmouth County Prosecutors office declined the case because I had not been physically harmed. I reached out to Lynn Rosenthal at the White House Office on Violence Against Women. The US attorney took control of my case and in 6 weeks the FBI identified the third party stalker who was using a throw away cell phone. The man admitted stalking and threatening me to Marlboro Sgt Yenisey and FBI Agent RJ Gallagher and then he lawyered up. The man committed suicide on Jan 4, 2010 to avoid facing federal prosecution.
The stalking didn't end with his death. Three weeks after Crime Victim Compensation paid for me to relocate and 3 years after I stopped receiving calls from Spanish speaking men, they began again. I filed the most recent police report on New Years Day and i just received another call from the same number calling me in October. My pleas for help to Attorney General Dow have gone unanswered.
The third party stalker apprehended by the FBI was calling me 4 hours before my flights to and from Miami in June of 2009. My itinerary was displayed on my American Express card statement. The third party stalker gave my American Express Card to a man in NYC who began to use the card to order food and deliver it to his apartment. American Express found 5 IP addresses accessing my online account. The Monmouth County Prosecutors office sent detectives into NYC in Sept of 2009 to question the man using my credit card but they failed to follow up until months later after Joe's suicide. The man fraudulently using my Amex card lived 5 doors down from the 5th Precinct in NYC. Now the Manhattan DA is trying to prosecute a case that belongs in NJ and a case that has gone ignored for over a decade.
The Justice Department gave NJ $3.6 million dollars in 2009 to fight Violence Against Women. What happened to the money?
Sincerely,
Karen Welch
C: Vice President Joseph Biden
Lynn Rosenthal, Director of the White House Office on Violence Against Women
Susan Carbon, Director of the Violence Against Women Office at the Justice Department
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Presidential Proclamation--Stalking Awareness Month January 2011
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release December 21, 2010 Presidential Proclamation--Stalking Awareness Month
Stalking is a serious and pervasive crime that affects millions of Americans each year in communities throughout our country. Though we have gained a better understanding of stalking and its prevalence since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, this dangerous and criminal behavior is still often mischaracterized as harmless. During Stalking Awareness Month, we acknowledge the seriousness of stalking, we recognize its impact on victims, and we recommit to reducing its incidence.
Persistent stalking and harassment can lead to serious consequences for victims, whose lives may be upended by fear. Some victims may be forced to take extreme measures to protect themselves, such as changing jobs, relocating to a new home, or even assuming a new identity. Stalking can happen to anyone, and most victims are stalked by someone they know. Young adults are particularly vulnerable, and women are at greater risk for stalking victimization than men.
Stalking can be a difficult crime to recognize. The majority of survivors do not report stalking victimization to the police, in part because perpetrators use a variety of tactics to intimidate and harass their victims. Increasingly, stalkers use modern technology to monitor and torment their victims, and one in four victims report some form of cyberstalking -- such as threatening emails or instant messaging -- as part of their harassment.
My Administration is working across the Federal Government to protect victims of violence and enable survivors to break the cycle of abuse or harassment. Stalking affects too many Americans to remain a hidden crime, and a strong stand is required in order to both support victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
As a Nation, we have made progress, but much work remains to respond to this criminal behavior. We must work together to educate the public about the potentially deadly nature of stalking, to encourage victims to seek help, to inform criminal justice professionals about the intersection of stalking and other dangerous crimes, and to support law enforcement in their efforts.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2011 as National Stalking Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to learn to recognize the signs of stalking, acknowledge stalking as a serious crime, and urge those impacted not to be afraid to speak out or ask for help. Let us also resolve to support victims and survivors, and to create communities that are secure and supportive for all Americans.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release December 21, 2010 Presidential Proclamation--Stalking Awareness Month
Stalking is a serious and pervasive crime that affects millions of Americans each year in communities throughout our country. Though we have gained a better understanding of stalking and its prevalence since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, this dangerous and criminal behavior is still often mischaracterized as harmless. During Stalking Awareness Month, we acknowledge the seriousness of stalking, we recognize its impact on victims, and we recommit to reducing its incidence.
Persistent stalking and harassment can lead to serious consequences for victims, whose lives may be upended by fear. Some victims may be forced to take extreme measures to protect themselves, such as changing jobs, relocating to a new home, or even assuming a new identity. Stalking can happen to anyone, and most victims are stalked by someone they know. Young adults are particularly vulnerable, and women are at greater risk for stalking victimization than men.
Stalking can be a difficult crime to recognize. The majority of survivors do not report stalking victimization to the police, in part because perpetrators use a variety of tactics to intimidate and harass their victims. Increasingly, stalkers use modern technology to monitor and torment their victims, and one in four victims report some form of cyberstalking -- such as threatening emails or instant messaging -- as part of their harassment.
My Administration is working across the Federal Government to protect victims of violence and enable survivors to break the cycle of abuse or harassment. Stalking affects too many Americans to remain a hidden crime, and a strong stand is required in order to both support victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
As a Nation, we have made progress, but much work remains to respond to this criminal behavior. We must work together to educate the public about the potentially deadly nature of stalking, to encourage victims to seek help, to inform criminal justice professionals about the intersection of stalking and other dangerous crimes, and to support law enforcement in their efforts.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2011 as National Stalking Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to learn to recognize the signs of stalking, acknowledge stalking as a serious crime, and urge those impacted not to be afraid to speak out or ask for help. Let us also resolve to support victims and survivors, and to create communities that are secure and supportive for all Americans.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
Saturday, October 23, 2010
NEW YORK DISTRICT ATTORNEY VANCE ANNOUNCES NEW CYBERCRIME AND IDENTITY THEFT BUREAU
DISTRICT ATTORNEY - NEW YORK COUNTY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2010
New Bureau Will Combat Sophisticated Computer Crime Schemes Worldwide
DA Vance Announces Appointment of former State of New Jersey Consumer Affairs Director David Szuchman as Chief of New Bureau
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., today announced the formation of the Cybercrime and Identity Theft Bureau. This bureau will re-focus, enhance and expand the resources and abilities of the Manhattan District Attorney's Office to combat identity theft and complex high-technology crimes, including terrorist activity and child exploitation. District Attorney Vance also announced the appointment of David Szuchman, who was until recently the Director of the State of New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, as Chief of the new Bureau.
“Today’s announcement reflects the Office’s commitment to protecting the public by staying a step ahead of criminals,” District Attorney Vance said. “By recognizing the growing role of technology in complex criminal schemes, and by enhancing our abilities to use cutting-edge technology against such schemes, we will improve our efforts to investigate, prosecute, and prevent such crimes. The internet is truly the crime scene of the 21st century – its borderless nature makes it easier for criminals and predators from all over the globe to target victims anywhere and everywhere. The challenge for law enforcement is to make sure we have the tools to combat these sophisticated criminals.”
Data from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children highlight the threat posed by cyber predators. The Center reported in 2006 that for children ages 10 – 17:
More than one-third (34 percent) saw sexual material online they did not want to see
9 percent experienced online harassment
Approximately 1 in 7 received unwanted sexual solicitations – 4 percent were aggressive solicitations in which solicitors made or attempted to make offline connections with the children.
Federal statistics from the United States Department of Justice show a 33 percent increase in cybercrime complaints in 2008. This is consistent with increases seen in cases handled by the Office. In the past two years, Assistant District Attorneys have noted a marked increase in the use of the internet in all manner of criminal conduct, including money laundering, check fraud, cyber impersonation, and cyber-credit card fraud. The Bureau will also support the Office’s investigations into cyber-stalking and cyber-bullying, two prevalent criminal behaviors victimizing children and adults; as well as investigations into the exploitation of children, child pornography, and human trafficking. Finally, there have been increases in cases involving the hacking and attempted hacking of financial institutions in Manhattan, which threaten the security and stability of our financial markets, and the District Attorney’s Office must be prepared to meet that threat.
In addition, the new Bureau will continue the Office’s highly-successful focus on identity theft, using Assistant District Attorneys who have specialized training and expertise to prosecute such crimes. Identity theft crimes range from using a stolen credit card for a single purchase to opening multiple accounts in a victim's name, falsifying documents, and using false identities to effect large frauds. The current Identity Theft Unit handles more than 200 such cases each month, and has in recent years investigated and brought to justice criminals involved in every kind of crime, including schemes resulting in the theft and criminal use of the identities of thousands of innocent people and the theft of tens of millions of dollars from individuals, businesses, and government agencies. In addition to attorneys, the Bureau will have a dedicated team of highly-trained of investigators and forensic analysts, led by nationally recognized computer crimes and computer forensic experts.
Mr. Szuchman was nominated to his previous position by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine in 2008 and confirmed by the New Jersey State Senate. As Director of Consumer Affairs, he oversaw a 600-person agency responsible for all statewide consumer affairs initiatives. This included New Jersey’s efforts on internet safety and e-commerce. Mr. Szuchman worked with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office to reach the groundbreaking agreement with Facebook and other social networking sites that incorporated the “Report Abuse” icon into the sites. This makes it easier for internet users to identify and quickly report inappropriate, abusive or potentially illegal activities on-line.
Mr. Szuchman had also previously worked as a federal prosecutor in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. As a Trial Attorney in the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the DOJ, Mr. Szuchman prosecuted criminal cases involving child pornography, internet crimes, money laundering, sex trafficking of minors, and child abuse. He led international cyber investigations and initiatives involving offenses committed against children working closely with a then newly-created computer forensic and investigative unit located within the Department of Justice. Mr. Szuchman was also responsible for the training of federal law enforcement officers and prosecutors on cybercrimes. Mr. Szuchman previously worked in the New York State Attorney General’s Office, and as an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan from 1997 until 2001, handling cases of street crime, sex offenses, and domestic violence.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2010
New Bureau Will Combat Sophisticated Computer Crime Schemes Worldwide
DA Vance Announces Appointment of former State of New Jersey Consumer Affairs Director David Szuchman as Chief of New Bureau
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., today announced the formation of the Cybercrime and Identity Theft Bureau. This bureau will re-focus, enhance and expand the resources and abilities of the Manhattan District Attorney's Office to combat identity theft and complex high-technology crimes, including terrorist activity and child exploitation. District Attorney Vance also announced the appointment of David Szuchman, who was until recently the Director of the State of New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, as Chief of the new Bureau.
“Today’s announcement reflects the Office’s commitment to protecting the public by staying a step ahead of criminals,” District Attorney Vance said. “By recognizing the growing role of technology in complex criminal schemes, and by enhancing our abilities to use cutting-edge technology against such schemes, we will improve our efforts to investigate, prosecute, and prevent such crimes. The internet is truly the crime scene of the 21st century – its borderless nature makes it easier for criminals and predators from all over the globe to target victims anywhere and everywhere. The challenge for law enforcement is to make sure we have the tools to combat these sophisticated criminals.”
Data from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children highlight the threat posed by cyber predators. The Center reported in 2006 that for children ages 10 – 17:
More than one-third (34 percent) saw sexual material online they did not want to see
9 percent experienced online harassment
Approximately 1 in 7 received unwanted sexual solicitations – 4 percent were aggressive solicitations in which solicitors made or attempted to make offline connections with the children.
Federal statistics from the United States Department of Justice show a 33 percent increase in cybercrime complaints in 2008. This is consistent with increases seen in cases handled by the Office. In the past two years, Assistant District Attorneys have noted a marked increase in the use of the internet in all manner of criminal conduct, including money laundering, check fraud, cyber impersonation, and cyber-credit card fraud. The Bureau will also support the Office’s investigations into cyber-stalking and cyber-bullying, two prevalent criminal behaviors victimizing children and adults; as well as investigations into the exploitation of children, child pornography, and human trafficking. Finally, there have been increases in cases involving the hacking and attempted hacking of financial institutions in Manhattan, which threaten the security and stability of our financial markets, and the District Attorney’s Office must be prepared to meet that threat.
In addition, the new Bureau will continue the Office’s highly-successful focus on identity theft, using Assistant District Attorneys who have specialized training and expertise to prosecute such crimes. Identity theft crimes range from using a stolen credit card for a single purchase to opening multiple accounts in a victim's name, falsifying documents, and using false identities to effect large frauds. The current Identity Theft Unit handles more than 200 such cases each month, and has in recent years investigated and brought to justice criminals involved in every kind of crime, including schemes resulting in the theft and criminal use of the identities of thousands of innocent people and the theft of tens of millions of dollars from individuals, businesses, and government agencies. In addition to attorneys, the Bureau will have a dedicated team of highly-trained of investigators and forensic analysts, led by nationally recognized computer crimes and computer forensic experts.
Mr. Szuchman was nominated to his previous position by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine in 2008 and confirmed by the New Jersey State Senate. As Director of Consumer Affairs, he oversaw a 600-person agency responsible for all statewide consumer affairs initiatives. This included New Jersey’s efforts on internet safety and e-commerce. Mr. Szuchman worked with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office to reach the groundbreaking agreement with Facebook and other social networking sites that incorporated the “Report Abuse” icon into the sites. This makes it easier for internet users to identify and quickly report inappropriate, abusive or potentially illegal activities on-line.
Mr. Szuchman had also previously worked as a federal prosecutor in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. As a Trial Attorney in the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the DOJ, Mr. Szuchman prosecuted criminal cases involving child pornography, internet crimes, money laundering, sex trafficking of minors, and child abuse. He led international cyber investigations and initiatives involving offenses committed against children working closely with a then newly-created computer forensic and investigative unit located within the Department of Justice. Mr. Szuchman was also responsible for the training of federal law enforcement officers and prosecutors on cybercrimes. Mr. Szuchman previously worked in the New York State Attorney General’s Office, and as an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan from 1997 until 2001, handling cases of street crime, sex offenses, and domestic violence.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
H.R. 5662 STALKERS Act of 2010 ; Simplifying the Ambiguous Law, Keeping Everyone Reliably Safe Act of 2010
This legislation currently in the Senate will task the Attorney General to establish a best practice for stalking.......
H.R.5662
Title: Simplifying the Ambiguous Law, Keeping Everyone Reliably Safe Act of 2010
Sponsor: Rep Sanchez, Loretta [CA-47] (introduced 7/1/2010) Cosponsors (8)
Related Bills: S.3651, S.3727
Latest Major Action: 7/28/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
111th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5662
To amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to the offense of stalking.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 1, 2010
Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A BILL
To amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to the offense of stalking.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Simplifying The Ambiguous Law, Keeping Everyone Reliably Safe Act of 2010' or the `STALKERS Act of 2010'.
SEC. 2. STALKING.
(a) In General- Section 2261A of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
`Sec. 2261A. Stalking
`(a) Whoever, with intent to kill, physically injure, harass, or intimidate a person, engages in any conduct in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce or in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States that--
`(1) causes or attempts to cause bodily injury or serious emotional distress to a person other than the person engaging in the conduct; or
`(2) occurs in circumstances where the conduct would be reasonably expected to cause the other person serious emotional distress;
shall be punished as provided in subsection (b).
`(b) The punishment for an offense under this section is the same as that for an offense under section 2261, except that--
`(1) if the offense involves conduct in violation of a protection order, the maximum term of imprisonment that may be imposed is increased by 5 years, over the term of imprisonment otherwise provided for that offense in section 2261; and
`(2) if the victim of the offense is under the age of 18 years, the maximum term of imprisonment that may be imposed is increased by 10 years, over the term of imprisonment otherwise provided for that offense in section 2261.'.
(b) Clerical Amendment- The item relating to section 2261A in the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 110A of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
`2261A. Stalking.'.
SEC. 3. BEST PRACTICES REGARDING ENFORCEMENT OF ANTI-STALKING LAWS TO BE INCLUDED IN ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
In the annual report under section 529 of title 28, United States Code, the Attorney General shall--
(1) include an evaluation of Federal, tribal, State, and local efforts to enforce laws relating to stalking; and
(2) identify and describe those elements of such efforts that constitute the best practices for the enforcement of such laws.
S.3727
Title: Stalkers Act of 2010
Sponsor: Sen Klobuchar, Amy [MN] (introduced 8/5/2010) Cosponsors (3)
Related Bills: H.R.5662, S.3651
Latest Major Action: 8/5/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
H.R.5662
Title: Simplifying the Ambiguous Law, Keeping Everyone Reliably Safe Act of 2010
Sponsor: Rep Sanchez, Loretta [CA-47] (introduced 7/1/2010) Cosponsors (8)
Related Bills: S.3651, S.3727
Latest Major Action: 7/28/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
111th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5662
To amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to the offense of stalking.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 1, 2010
Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A BILL
To amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to the offense of stalking.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Simplifying The Ambiguous Law, Keeping Everyone Reliably Safe Act of 2010' or the `STALKERS Act of 2010'.
SEC. 2. STALKING.
(a) In General- Section 2261A of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
`Sec. 2261A. Stalking
`(a) Whoever, with intent to kill, physically injure, harass, or intimidate a person, engages in any conduct in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce or in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States that--
`(1) causes or attempts to cause bodily injury or serious emotional distress to a person other than the person engaging in the conduct; or
`(2) occurs in circumstances where the conduct would be reasonably expected to cause the other person serious emotional distress;
shall be punished as provided in subsection (b).
`(b) The punishment for an offense under this section is the same as that for an offense under section 2261, except that--
`(1) if the offense involves conduct in violation of a protection order, the maximum term of imprisonment that may be imposed is increased by 5 years, over the term of imprisonment otherwise provided for that offense in section 2261; and
`(2) if the victim of the offense is under the age of 18 years, the maximum term of imprisonment that may be imposed is increased by 10 years, over the term of imprisonment otherwise provided for that offense in section 2261.'.
(b) Clerical Amendment- The item relating to section 2261A in the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 110A of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
`2261A. Stalking.'.
SEC. 3. BEST PRACTICES REGARDING ENFORCEMENT OF ANTI-STALKING LAWS TO BE INCLUDED IN ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
In the annual report under section 529 of title 28, United States Code, the Attorney General shall--
(1) include an evaluation of Federal, tribal, State, and local efforts to enforce laws relating to stalking; and
(2) identify and describe those elements of such efforts that constitute the best practices for the enforcement of such laws.
S.3727
Title: Stalkers Act of 2010
Sponsor: Sen Klobuchar, Amy [MN] (introduced 8/5/2010) Cosponsors (3)
Related Bills: H.R.5662, S.3651
Latest Major Action: 8/5/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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