Atlanta Legal Nurse Consultant Commends Crime Seminar: Internet Crime Involving Children & Identity Theft

Atlanta, GA -- Atlanta legal nurse consultant Liz Buddenhagen attended the “The Impact of Crime on the Community, Law Enforcement & Victim Advocates.” “This was the 4th Crime Seminar at Piedmont College and every one was very good” said Buddenhagen. 

Internet Crimes Against Children:

After a welcome by Dr. James W. Beeks, Sr., Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice, Piedmont College; Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney, Middle District of Georgia; and Edward J. Tavver, United States Attorney, Southern District of Georgia gave opening remarks to the law enforcement and social worker audience.

“Internet Crime: When a Child is a Victim” was the first topic of the day covered by Robert D. McCullers, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Middle District of Georgia and Keith Kabrhel, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Atlanta Division.  Specifically they discussed child pornography. Enticement of children on the internet is a growing at a “ridiculous” rate they said.

Teens who are merely trying to make friends on the internet can easily get trapped by an adult teen imposter who talks them to taking pictures of themselves or submit webcam feed. The adult then threatens to release these images to friends and family unless the teen or child continues to submit to the internet demands make by the adult. Hence, the teen or child succumbs to the demands and begins to get trapped deeper and deeper and sees no way out.  Eventually there will be a request to meet in person in secret.

The authorities discussed various offenses that are primarily prosecuted at the federal level, including the elements and penalties. Discovery of such crimes, investigation to best preserve evidence and preparation and presentation of the case for prosecution were presented.

The presentation also addressed the impact on victims of internet crimes and resources available to support local investigations and victims.

Identity Theft:

David Stewart, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Georgia, talked about “Fraud, Identity Theft and Cyber Crimes: Current Trends and Victim Issues.” Stewart stressed that ID theft is growing rapidly with credit card and bank account theft being the most stolen items. The newest growth area is the creation of new accounts by thieves.

Ethics in Working with the Crime Victim:

Peter Fenton, J.D., Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Kennesaw State University finished out the program with a heartfelt presentation examining ethical dilemmas and challenges faced by law enforcement officers, victim advocates and social service providers in their interactions with victims of crime. He started off discussing Aristotle,  Kant, Bentham and Locke and finished by addressing the rights of the victims of crimes.

Resources:

http://www.justice.gov/usao/fan/programs/internet safety
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft
http://www.medicare.gov/fraudabuse/Tips/asp

Atlanta Legal Nurse Consultant:

Liz Buddenhagen principal at Buddenhagen & Associates has been assisting Atlanta attorneys with the medical issues of their legal cases for 6 years. “Our firm has worked on criminal, personal injury, negligence, product liability, civil rights, medical malpractice and wrongful death cases.” For more information, view www.Legal-Nurse-Consultant-LNC.com, email Liz@BuddenhagenLNC.com or call 770-725-2997. 

Contact Information

Liz Buddenhagen, RN, CLNC

Principal

Buddenhagen & Associates

(1) 770-725-2997

Liz@BuddenhagenLNC.com