January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the FBI says financially motivated sextortion often targeting teen boys went up 20% from October 2022 to March 2023 compared to the same period the year before. Scammers will pose as an attractive girl on social media or gaming sites, ask the boy to send nude photos or videos, then threaten to post them online if the victim doesn t pay up. FBI Special Agent Curtis Cox said the threats often cause extreme mental anguish. .
Pennsylvania is taking a significant step this year by providing funding to counties for indigent legal defense for residents. The passage of House Bill 1300 will provide $7.5 million for indigent defense services provided to people who cannot afford legal representation. Sarah Jacobson, executive director of the Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania, said the bill creates an indigent defense advisory committee and a grant program. .
The FBI is warning Hoosiers about an urgent, growing danger called "sextortion." Warning lights are flashing, alarm bells are blaring, and this is not a drill. Online predators are targeting children, especially, boys between 14 and 17 years old with a scam known as sextortion. Here is how it works: Criminals use fake social media profiles and trick kids into exchanging sexually explicit videos or pictures. .
Indiana is among states dealing with an attorney shortage crisis and its potential impact on the criminal justice system. As states grapple with the shortage, Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice …
Indiana is among states dealing with an attorney shortage crisis and its potential impact on the criminal justice system. As states grapple with the shortage, Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush is building a special panel of experts in search of solutions. Christiana Ochoa, dean of the Maurer School of Law at Indiana University, is one of the voices on the panel. .