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I intercepted info that could save a child

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rtanner68

Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia

Hello, I am in need of serious help here. 2 weeks ago I had discovered a virus on my pc. After getting rid of it, I also found a history of multiple viruses- as well as many files that were not mine- but somehow got on the computer. I deleted all of them- many were pornographic in nature. I then thought to check my email address- as I rarely do. I wanted to make sure the security was not compromised. It was.
I found a host of many sent and recieved emails that were not mine. I destroyed all of them and planned to change the password for the account. But there was one that caught my attention. It seems that man was trying to set up a "play date" with another man and his son. I was sick to my stomach. I responded in an attempt to confirm my fears. They were confirmed.
I called police as soon as I knew what was happening, and had explained the situation to the detective. Essentially, this monster had no idea that it was now me emailing him. And the "play date" was for yesterday evening at a hotel. We had a chance to get this creep and save this kids life. I met with the detective and her partner, who was to assume my identity for the "sting." They requested to take my computer, as well as consent to assume my identity. I of course gave them everything. Whatever it took to get this guy.
Here I am, three days later, 15 hours after the proposed raid of this sicko, and I have not heard from the detectives. I have been sick to my stomach for the past week, I cant sleep or eat. This has been heavily on my mind. All I want is to have made a difference, to get this man.
I have been reading on the internet about many things. How people are afraid to report these attivities because the stigma of it all. They are afraid they will somehow be guilty too. And now Iam starting to get terrified. All that filth that was on the computer that was not mine. I deleted it all, but I know they will find it. I hope they do, whatever they can use to take out these people. But I am scared to death that they might think that I was into that crap. I am so scared of that "label" being branded to me.
Thats not what I am, I only wanted to stand up and do something. I was the only one who knew about this kid, the only one who could save him. It was the right thing to do, no matter what cost to me. I would do it again in a heartbeat, despite my current fear.
Having said that, I am so sick and scared that something my happen to me. I am shaking as I write this. I am 22, just finally begining my life, I so scared. I have no money to fight a legal battle, and dont want to. I only want whats right- for this guy to go down.
What should I be scared for? Is there anything I can do. I have been fully cooperative with the poilce, and will continue to do so. Please, any advise or thoughts as I cant bear these worries any longer. Thank you

RT
 


dlw99

Member
Your hard drive & IP address will tell the police all they need to know about your internet activities.

Do you use IP blockers?

Does anyone else have access to your computer?

If not, you should have nothing to worry about.
 

BOR

Senior Member
Is your concern witness retaliation?

If this is so, instruct the police and they can advise you on self protection methods.

The concern does not seem to be one of some type of accomplice/conspiracy charge, but the aforementioned, right!
 

dlw99

Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia

I have been reading on the internet about many things. How people are afraid to report these attivities because the stigma of it all. They are afraid they will somehow be guilty too.
RT
It seems that poster hasn't heard anything from police about the ''sting'' at the hotel, and is afraid maybe the cops think he's involved too.
 

BOR

Senior Member
It seems that poster hasn't heard anything from police about the ''sting'' at the hotel, and is afraid maybe the cops think he's involved too.
Right, I just wanted to make sure, the post has broken thoughts.
 

rtanner68

Junior Member
I am even more shaken now. I am concernd of two things.

1. I want to know that they got this sick monster.

2. I am scared to death that because of all the crap that was on that pc from the viruses, or maybe I accidentally downloaded. I dont know. I have never downloaded or viwed any crap like that. Thats not me! I just am sick to my stomach from being worried the past week about all of this.

I called the police first thing when I knew what this was, and I gave them all the information I know. Passwords to the online accounts, email, everything. I was the one who led them to this guy. My only interest is to see him behind bars, and this kid to have a chance to be saved from it all.

As I said, the choice to do it over- I still would. I couldn't look in the mirror again knowing I turned my back on it.

I dont really know what I need from this forum, I just am so sick feeling that I wanted others to hear. Thank you for your replies and time.

RT
 

dlw99

Member
If you accidently downloaded it, you'd also have to open it to view it. The forensic computer analysts would be able to tell if you opened it, and how many times you opened it. They can also look at terms you have searched for.

Viruses are generally intended to disable functions of your hard drive.

Pornography usually comes with a charge, right? At some point you would have known if you were downloading porn.
 
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