FAC Media Committee: Call to Action
This past week, FOX News and the New York Post caused damage to hundreds of thousands of people on the sex offense registry in this country over the way they covered the story of the attempted kidnapping of the 11-year-old girl in Escambia Co.
I am contacting both outlets and would greatly appreciate having other people let them know the damage that was caused by the careless way this story was covered.
The New York Post article, used by FOX News, was written by Jesse O’Neill. The best email address that I have come up with so far for the New York Post is: tips@nypost.com or 646-357-3838.
To contact FOX News, go to foxnews.com, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Contact Us. On “Submit a request”, use the dropdown arrow and choose “request a correction or clarification to a story”. You will need to paste the URL (web link) for the page that you are reporting a problem with:
https://www.foxnews.com/us/11-year-old-florida-girl-fights-off-sex-offender-at-bus-stop
In the New York Post article, I counted O’Neill’s use of the term “sex offender” 5 times, mostly in the captions under the photos and, of course, in the title. FOX News also used the term from the Post article. None of the other national or local news outlets that I have listened to has used “sex offender”. The New York Post is listed as a tabloid meaning it likes to print sensational articles. FOX is doing the same thing.
Some points that can be used in our replies to the NY Post and FOX, which are contained in the Weekly Update found at the FAC webpage under Media, are:
- This guy will likely be in prison forever; it’s the other 74,000+ people on the Florida registry who will be subjected to whatever new legislation named after this poor 11-year-old, that will unquestionably be introduced in the coming legislative term. What new collateral consequence, additional requirement, further restriction, or punishment will be imposed on registrants because of this tragedy they had no responsibility for?
- Who is this unidentified “sex offender”? Jared Stanga. He is not on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement sex offender registry. In a national search including all states, territories, and Indian Country, Mr. Stanga is NOT listed on a sex offender registry.
- The “sex offender” registry did absolutely nothing to prevent the attempted abduction of this girl, except point the finger at a population that had nothing to do with it and potentially divert the focus of law enforcement had they not captured the perpetrator.
- When the politicians use this tragedy to try to expand the registry or enact proximity ordinances around bus stops, let’s remind them that the registry did nothing to prevent this, as it did nothing to prevent the abduction of Jacob Wetterling and as it did nothing to prevent the abduction of Adam Walsh.
- If everyone would just take a deep breath and rational look at these policies, they will see they are ineffective and should be abolished.
THE BIG TAKEAWAY THAT FOX AND THE NEW YORK POST NEED TO UNDERSTAND: THEY GOT IT WRONG. MR. STANGA WAS NOT ON THE “SEX OFFENDER” REGISTRY, AND BY TRYING TO CONNECT PEOPLE ON THE REGISTRY WITH MR. STANGA, THEY HAVE JUST MADE A LIFE, THAT CAN ALREADY BE DIFFICULT BECAUSE OF THE MEDIEVAL STATUTES AND ORDINANCES RELATED TO THE REGISTRY, EVEN MORE DIFFICULT FOR THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF REGISTRANTS IN THIS COUNTRY WHO ARE NOW LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS.
Thank you for your help,
Media Chair (media@floridaactioncommittee.org)
I checked the Orlando Sentinel article on this story and they did not use the term sex offender. Maybe we are starting to get through to some of the reporters.
A third going on half my life as a Sex Offender, from a sentence of two years probation
The term “sex offender” is a legal term, and can be accurately used only when describing someone who has been convicted of a sex crime. “Sex offender” loses any definitive meaning when misused outside of that context, as in this reporting. This is just as the term “pedophile”–which has a very specific definition in psychology–is now commonly misused as a mere pejorative or a dog whistle.
Veritas.
Unfortunately a sex offender is a sex offender until they die. I personally was convicted for kissing a girl on her cheek and bec she was aroused it was considered as sexual Misconduct with a minor.
A factual basis was laid out in court my public defender convinced me a trial would not be good. I was 18 and stupid. I signed it. That was in 1998. In 2007 I got off the registry. In 2016 my teenage daughter whom I had custody of lied saying I molested her. She was 15 at the time. I took it to court and won but barely. According to DCS preponderance of evidence says as a convicted sex offender any time in my life if I am accused I must prove my innocence not the court proving me guilty. So how did I prove my innocence? My 4th attorney caught my daughter lying about it in court and busted her. Turns out I was too strict not letting he have a boyfriend so she lied knowing she would go live with her mom. Turns out she was sending nude pics to grown men which 3 were are in prison now. She got no charges for child pornography bec in Indiana a child cant be charged with child pornography even if they’re the ones uploading it and distributing it. I fought for the next 2 years to have her arrested and was laughed at. Now in 2021 shes 18 and I fear she is a female sexual predator. Her mother raised her. I only had custody for 3 months while her mom was in jail for selling drugs. Prior to that I barely saw her.
As for my 98 conviction I served my sentence for a crime that in my Opinion wasn’t a crime. The laws are worded specifically to be used to find crime when no crime happened. When laws on sex offenses change it’s not retroactive if its benefits the sex offenders. IE Romeo n Juliet clause. I fit that age group but it was retro. So until I’m dead if I’m 99 years 9ld I must prove my innocence if ever accused. Not to minimize anything but all I done was kissed a 15 yr old girl when I was 18. That made me a sex offender for life. These laws are unconstitutional as it is. I fear its gonna get worse. Before anyone tries to say I’m full of crap I’ll say this. Indiana has screwed up laws on sex offenses. They’re a 0 tolerance state. Nothing will change Unless the ACLU get involved and make it stop. I showed them my case and was told it was wrong but they were too busy . With what? Suing Presidents over policies that affected abortion and LGBT people. Here several years later they still are doing the same thing. Smh
If, we as a community of required to register offenders do not stand up at this point after this misinformation has been dealt to us, then when? Forget about the consequences of standing up, and let our voices be heard! We should mobilize and start planning our response. Let our voices be heard!! Now is the time! Lets come together and bombard these news outlets with every ounce of digital communication we have left!! Come on!!
The news article claims the man had a prior sex offense charge. It is an interesting choice of language. They did not say convicted. Why?
Something was also said like ‘multiple’ offenses.
In you letter: “When the politicians use this tragedy to try to expand the registry or enact proximity ordinances around bus stops, let’s remind them that the registry did nothing to prevent this, as it did nothing to prevent the abduction of Jacob Wetterling and as it did nothing to prevent the abduction of Adam Walsh.”
You are mildly correct that the registry did nothing, however it could not do anything for them primarily because it did not exist at the time. There was no SOR when wetterling (1989) or walsh (1981) were attacked. Those attacks perhaps set the wheels in motion to start the SOR in 1997.
Yes, so let us change “did nothing” to “would have done nothing”. Hopefully, you will a chance to contact the NY Post and FOX.
Thanks.
I have already sent letters to both the New York Post and Fox News in New York on the subject. I will include them on my bi-weekly media bias letters.
Problem with blaming the media is that the police are the ones that told the public that the guy has a history of sexual crimes against children. I, myself assumed that he was on the sex offender registry after hearing that. That police department spreading false information is the real problem. Fox News just ran with the false information in order to sensationalize their headlines. It’s what Fox does. The truth is that the video itself was disgusting enough to enflame the public and demand harsher treatment of sex offenders. Don’t expect Fox to apologize.
The media has a responsibility to verify the information they are disseminating. It wouldn’t take any effort for them to look up the Megan’s Law website to be sure. That is their business – is it not?
Once Again The Media, in this case, As in so many others, VIOLATES THE SPJ’S (Society of Professional Journalism) Code of Ethics!
Please go to:
http://www.spj.org/pdf/spj-code-of-ethics.pdf
https://twitter.com/WomenAgainstReg/status/1395921501090680833?s=20
Fox news only got to white van and that was all the “evidence” they needed to conclude this guy is a sex offender.
I can’t believe that FAC media would be striving to correct statements of writers of papers. Even at best the papers can put in a retraction article. Nothing wrong with reproofing an article. and nothing wrong with reproofing sex offender issues if that be the case, which it is.
Sure I’ve listened to much of these topics on FAC,NARSOL, and others but much of this registry ordeal factor is intimidation. There is only one person to fear and that is God.
Are many intimidated to express personally to even governors about much of these sex offender issues before many issues get more out of line and I would say much of these ordeals of these internet sting nature are out of line and a few other issues I’m sure. Intimidation can produce an unhealthy fear in some.
Sure are many of you all living in fear, weather you are on probation, have a leg monitor on your leg, or even the fear of well they are going to extend your probation as we feel that you are not ready for reality in the real world. Hey they wanted me to take sex offender classes over again but I started talking about God and Jesus and the truth and they backed down said we have decided the instructor, DA, etc.. we dont’ want you in the class. Even after I had already finished it the first time.
Sure understanding is good and yes wisdom is also but intimidation comes in many forms and tactics. Harrassment does also. Sure one can check up on someone but what are they checking for when the question is posed. Do people interrigate others out of vain folly?
Even Gerald has a unique comment and in his 95 years he has I’m sure some good qualities for true justice and also for justice and liberty. Freedom is freedom no matter how you slice it or did Lincoln actually free the slaves or even the cocaine dealers. Course one is not talking about cocaine but its standing up and not being intimidated in much of this offender ruse.
In this Case, as in many other cases, once Again, the Media Violated Their Own Ethical Standards….
http://www.spj.org/pdf/spj-code-of-ethics.pdf
i’m on it. Excellent points btw
Also
A kidnapping is NOT a sex offense in and of itself. Many people are kidnapped for reasons other that to be sexually violated. Not going to begin to think of the horrors if he was successful but even if he was successful and was caught with her before doing anything else, the charge would have been kidnapping.
Yes that is a serious charge, even attempted, but again, NOT a sex offense. Even if against a child, if nothing sexual occured, that has nothing to do with the registry. News always loves to state how they report “Fair and accurate” then they sensationalize and make things up.
Kidnapping in Florida puts one on the SO registry.
This article that FAC has brought up is a call to Action and true truth and justice. Sure I am up here in VA but I have visited Florida several times. I believe I even mentioned that they wanted me to work in the Everglades once for a summer job during my teen years. I will be 67 in July and much of this registy ordeal is Government Mischief in many ways.
Sure Chicken Little couldn’t prevent the sky from falling but police and authorities seem to want to compound things for many via this sex registry enticement in these chat rooms or which ever the case may be whether it be in an adult chat room or teenage chatroom. Yes I got my rights back and am still on probation for another year from my 10 year ordeal. Sure nobody wants to be in jail with something like this and I’m sure no one wants to have this registy hanging over their head. Police bleed like anyone else and make mistakes also. Look at the Floyd mess for an example.
Government is at fault by this inducement on those that stumble into this whole ordeal. So is government playing the harlot in many ways with this or is all this to make headlines to solve issues. Myself or anyone else if they wanted to talk to a teenager common sense is they would go iinto a teenage chatroom or on a teenage site.
Sure one can chat or one can be mislead in this computer type game of blind man’s bluff and even upset a man’ or woman’s life, job status, even cause them emotional pain but were is the truth. Is it in a court of law or read about it in the newspaper the next morning.
Now everyone on these advocate sites need to stand up all over the USA.. Don’t be embarrassed as those that did the sting operation on you embarrassed themselves to start with this type ordeal of a sexual enticement which is devilish mischief.
You know after its all said and done “Actions” speak louder than words. Sure their are negative actions and positive ones. Even this article that FAC presents has a lot of meanibng to it. Whether law enforcement blundered or the Newspaper blundered who was led astray in many of these registry ordeals?
Actually FAC, this is a very good article you presented. Sure my uncle lived in Pompano Beach and my brother that is retired from denistry set up his practice in the Tampa area. Yes we are all thankful for advocacy groups as a lot of good understanding and meaning can come out of advocacy to help others.
Sure one pastors I correspond with told me to take the rights given back to me. In a way he’s right but still truth and justice has to be served. Even one of the lady probation officers that came to my door this past month or two to do a check and she asked me if things were ok and also I posed the question who are you protecting and who are you serving and she said the community.
Strange that one has to use a deception and deceptive methods to protect and a court of law is for truth and justice. Justice by deceptive means… thats a new one on me in any criminal “Justice” field and I’m sure many would have to agree on that one? Isn’t the sword of Justice a bit better?
While I am still wrestling whether to write the Governor again to not accept these rights or just leave it alone, thats were advocates come in to strive to seek justice for all or do we all still have some power to the people. Sure true justice delayed is justice denied in many ways.
Actually Ed C you are right about much of this registry in a lot of ways. If the situation and the question came up when I was taking some criminal justice courses at a couminity college back in the late 70’s about the use of the word sex offender and the classification of said title it would of been dismissed. While drunk driving can be a bit more accurate for that offense, and even I have had two in my life.
Sure one can all be embarrassed from much of this such as job loss, discrimination of housing and other things even going back to a college to take say a license for real estate or some class like that.
The biggest industry in Florida is tourism and I’m sure that much of this sex registry and rights go against the grain. That right there is discrimination of a deceptive means and measures and is against the bible as wel. in some or many of these registry ordeals.
Even other states should take note of that one as when truth in justice is flushed down the toilet than were is the constutition today or even human rights for that matter.
Its been said on some of these forms two wrongs don’t make a right so who is Judging who in many of these registry ordeals.