This Wednesday two suspects will appear in court accused of a sexual assault that would not have been possible without Facebook.
A facebook “friend,” along with a suspended police officer, are accused of drugging and raping a Livingston County woman.
We spoke with Detective Josh Howery, of the St Joseph Police Department’s electronic-crimes unit. Howery urges caution when hooking up online.
“You only know about that person what they’re willing to share,” Howery said. “It’s not until you do your own research that you can find out more. But until then that’s all you know.”
“We would just tell people to do their homework, be looking for red flags, and trust your gut. It’s usually right.”
While we hear about these meetings turning violent in other areas of the country, and on other social media Web sites, Howery says that sort of thing is not common in Northwest Missouri. But the Livingston County case reminds us that it’s possible anywhere.
He discourages giving out your home address to an online friend, because they may not be who they claim to be.
“People can be anybody they want to online,” Howery says
“Don’t allow yourself to be a victim. If you arrange public meetings, and if you’re still skeptical, bring a friend.”
“Ask questions, and demand answers, and if you don’t get them, walk away.”
Amanda Gault and Brent Schade were charged last week in connection with a horrific sex assault case that started with a meeting on Facebook. Click here for more.