TAMPA, FL – A 23-year-old woman from Tampa, Florida, is being held without bond after allegedly posing as a 14-year-old girl on social media platforms and engaging in sexual activities with several underage boys she met online. Alyssa Zinger was initially arrested in November and faced multiple felony charges related to lewd or lascivious conduct.
Zinger first came under suspicion for having a sexual relationship with a minor. Over the course of several months, detectives have identified four additional victims, all between the ages of 13 and 14. It’s believed that Zinger interacted with these boys on Snapchat and TikTok, pretending to be a homeschooled student.
According to online records from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Zinger was arrested again last week. The new charges include multiple counts of lewd or lascivious molestation and battery, sexual cyber harassment, possession of child pornography, and transmission of child pornography by electronic device.
Before her recent arrest on April 4, Zinger was out on pre-trial release. However, a judge denied her bond on some of the new charges on Monday. The presiding judge, Laura Ward, expressed her concern over Zinger’s lack of understanding of the severity of her actions.
Zinger’s defense attorney argues that her client has faced emotional and developmental challenges, as documented in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) from her school years. The defense also mentioned that Zinger changed schools during high school. However, prosecutors countered that Zinger’s school records do not indicate any developmental delays and the investigation is still ongoing.
As part of her current custody conditions, Zinger has been ordered to not have access to any electronic devices. Her next court appearance is scheduled for April 16.