It appears to have been a banner year for these sting operations. My monthly tracking has showed over 550 people were captured in mostly big sting operations that I’ve found searching on the internet. Imagine how many smaller or less publicized operations I also missed. In 2018 over $28 million was released by the DOJ to help fund ICAC and these STING operations. Initially it was less but by the end of the year it jumped up $1M over the prior year. The government is funding over $100 Million in Grants! There is likely no end in sight for these Sting Operations.
The Net Nanny Operation out of Washington State conducted FOUR operations in 2018 and made 53 arrests. In 4 years of operation they have captured over 220 individuals including a couple of people < 20 and a couple people > 75. There has also been 6 people die–mostly suicide. Those running the operation are aware suicides do and will take place due to these operations. Believe it, it is true. I track ALL the arrests. They have over 105 convictions (100+ pending) with 28 trials! Only 1 acquittal and 1 case dismissed. It is a very disheartening sign for anyone, like us, fighting these sting operations. Yes, we have skin in the game and we are impacted by these operations. Not only in lawyer/court fees (~$40k) but in the disruptions to our life.
A couple others who have skin in the game and fighting back:
Lady Justice Myth Blog – A recent blog (2018) by a mother whose son was captured by one of these ICAC run sting operations. She is trying to fight the injustice. Even had a billboard put up in the state of Washington in calling out the injustice of these sting operations.
Florida Scandal Blog – An older site (~2014) which talks about internet sting operations (entrapment) going on in Florida. Has a lot of links (some bad) and good information though somewhat dated.
I don’t have any easy answers. My best advice is to research, find others in a similar situation and work together to help both of your causes. Be strong. PRAY.
Psalm 140:1-4 (NIV)
1 Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers;
protect me from the violent,2 who devise evil plans in their hearts
and stir up war every day.3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s;
the poison of vipers is on their lips.4 Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
protect me from the violent,
who devise ways to trip my feet.
With Continued Faith & Hope,
Samuel