Posted May 23rd, 2013 at 1:08PM by Michelle Sigona
Cyber safety for children is at the top of the FBI’s list. It’s such a priority that the FBI has launched the FBI-SOS Online Surfing webpage. The FBI says with the help of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, there’s now a new tool for teachers to learn how to educate their students about cyber safety.
Through the new system, schools that participate can compete against one another. In addition, each grade and each level will be instructed to complete exams. Those exams can only be completed by third through eighth graders, but it’s important to note — anyone, of any age can visit the site and play the games.
It’s important to note the FBI says they are not collecting any personal information from each child who signs up.
On May 6, 2013 around 5:52 p.m. Charles Ramsey made a decision that changed the lives of three abducted women. He heard cries from a woman at a home across the street. Instead of ignoring, he decided to spring into action. Charles broke open the door and rescued Amanda Berry and her 6-year-old daughter. Amanda vanished more than a decade ago from only blocks away from where she was found. Charles not only guided Amanda to safety, but allowed her to call 911.
When police arrived on the scene, they saw two other women walk out of the home — those women have since been identified as Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight, bot had been abducted years before.
Posted April 29th, 2013 at 4:44AM by Michelle Sigona
RAINN NETWORK: The statistics of sexual assault arequite alarming and show one in six women and one in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Approximately every two minutes someone is assaulted in the United States. ‘
60% of assaults aren’t even reported and two-thirds of victims know their attackers.
So what can you do to help? There’s a list of things you can do to get involved. Take a look at the GET INVOLVED category on RAINN’s website. RAINN also provides free online training for crisis centers and volunteers. The 24/7 hotline is staffed with counselors who care and want to make a difference.
If you are a victim, and you have not reported the rape, please take time to reach out.
Posted April 8th, 2013 at 3:05PM by Michelle Sigona
You can host a TAKE 25 event right in your own community to help educate children and parents on safety. This program, offered by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, aspires to get communities across America involved and to hopefully prevent abductions. It was created in honor of National Children’s Day to encourage parents and guardians to take 25 minutes to educate their children about safety topics. The goal is to help children make better decisions in life, set limitations on what they do, and give parents and guardians the tools they need. Some of the topics covered are Internet, school, out and about, and at home safety. Take a few moments to read more about Take 25 and consider becoming a volunteer or hosting a program in your own neighborhood.
Posted March 25th, 2013 at 4:24AM by Michelle Sigona
Robin Pope, 51 (personal photo)
UPDATE: Over the weekend, investigators on the Eastern Shore of Maryland say they located Robin’s body. She was found along the Kent Island shoreline. Robin was identified through dental records. At this point, her cause of death has not been released. More to come on this case…
Robin Pope has been missing for nearly two weeks and over the weekend, hundreds came out to search for her. Robin, 51, vanished from Stevensville, Maryland on March 1 from her former home in Kent Island. She was officially reported missing the next day, March 2. Robin’s daughter’s spear headed the latest efforts to gather volunteers to search for their mother, unfortunately, the search did not yield any new clues to Robin’s whereabouts.
Although the search was not organized by law enforcement, police officers and firefighters fully supported the efforts. The firehouse even served as the command area for searchers to start and reconvene after their efforts.
Investigators say the family’s 11-year-old Great Dean was found dead on the same day Robin was reported missing, but authorities believe the dog died of natural causes.
Posted March 15th, 2013 at 11:04AM by Michelle Sigona
Keana Barnes (Top 15 Most Wanted)
Keana Barnes is not only a convicted murderer, but also a prison escapee, now she has the title of one of the most wanted fugitives in America. Barnes this week is added to the U.S. Marshals TOP 15 Most Wanted.
Barnes dangerous history dates back to 1999. The U.S. Marshals say she has prior convictions for aggravated assault, battery, theft and manslaughter. She stabbed a man in 2002 17 times and in March 2003, she killed another man.
After the murders, Barnes was taken down in Mexico and extradited back to the United States until she masterminded an escape. On New Year’s Day, 2013, Barnes broke out of the Louisiana Department of Corrections. According to a press release, “Officials believe Barnes made her escape by jumping out the first floor window, climbing several fences, including at least one barb wired fence, and eventually exiting the prison grounds.”
U.S. Marshals consider Barnes to be armed and very dangerous. If you have any information, please contact: 1-800-336-0102.
Posted March 11th, 2013 at 4:26AM by Michelle Sigona
Robin Pope, 51 (personal photo)
Robin Pope has been missing for nearly two weeks and over the weekend, hundreds came out to search for her. Robin, 51, vanished from Stevensville, Maryland on March 1 from her former home in Kent Island. She was officially reported missing the next day, March 2. Robin’s daughter’s spear headed the latest efforts to gather volunteers to search for their mother, unfortunately, the search did not yield any new clues to Robin’s whereabouts.
Although the search was not organized by law enforcement, police officers and firefighters fully supported the efforts. The firehouse even served as the command area for searchers to start and reconvene after their efforts.
Investigators say the family’s 11-year-old Great Dean was found dead on the same day Robin was reported missing, but authorities believe the dog died of natural causes.
Maryland State Police is handling this investigation, please call them if you have any information at: 410-758-1101.
Michelle Sigona is an Emmy Award winning journalist. Over her career, Michelle has covered thousands of breaking and historical news stories -- and the good fight doesn't stop there. In her spare time, she is a volunteer firefighter.