Families of SOs Community Group
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Hi, I am a new member and was so glad to find this site. Thank You for creating a safe place to share this most difficult life situation with others who know what we are going through. My son, 31 years old, was picked up in an online sting operation. There was never a real person but a detective and once getting him hooked then said lets meet but I am really only 14 .... when he went to meet her it was the police who arrested him in July 2013 and he was sentenced with 3 felony counts (for speaking online 3 times and then attempting to meet) he got 3.5 years with lifetime probation, registering as a SO, GPS, SO classes and not being able to be anywhere near underage children, and not being able to be online or have a cell phone or live anywhere where there is one....how does one live on the outside? I hear Arizona is probably the worst state to be in as a SO. I am wondering if anyone on this site is from Arizona as each state is so different when it comes to the law.
My heart goes out to you all. I pray that these unjust and inhumane laws change and if anyone knows how to advocate for this, please let me know how I might channel my frustration in to helping to make changes so others are not caught in a lifetime labeled as a criminal SO.
Hope, Faith, Peace, Love and Blessings to All
My heart goes out to you all. I pray that these unjust and inhumane laws change and if anyone knows how to advocate for this, please let me know how I might channel my frustration in to helping to make changes so others are not caught in a lifetime labeled as a criminal SO.
Hope, Faith, Peace, Love and Blessings to All
Amynmesa and Sadsong44 are both from Arizona, so you have friends here. I don't know Sadsong44 well, but I have spoken to Amy several times.
The lifetime probation in Arizona is just a killer----and such overkill.
Florida is hands down the king of ignorance and hatred toward sex offenders, but Arizona is running a close second.
Right now, you need to just take it slow and live one day at a time. Try not to look too far in the future, as that is borrowing trouble and will make you worry all the time.
The two aforementioned ladies can possible make some suggestions. There are some ladies and other posters on the board that are far smarter than I am, so maybe someone else can chime in with suggestions.
Welcome to the board and God Bless you and your son,
rewdiazepam
Your story is like so many I have read on this site. Heart breaking and so sad that these sting operations entrap people who get caught up in this. The current culture of fear and questionable political climate in this country seem to fuel this type of entrapment: the desire to appear "tough on crime" and "out to catch sexual predators" without taking into account the collateral damage - th people and their loved ones whose lives are shattered by these allegations.
I am new here too but already it has made a difference to me.Three weeks ago I felt very alone. The day I googled "families of sex offenders" really did change my life. Now I feel accepted, not judged, and encouraged by the people I talk to everyday on this site. I can ask any question - even the ones I was too embarrassed or afraid to ask. I feel much stronger now.
As far as becoming an advocate - I learn more and more everyday. It is if a veil has been lifted and now I see what is behind it. Kind of like the "wizard" in the Wizard of Oz - once the veil was drawn aside, it was just an ordinary man. Everything I thought I knew about these issues and about these laws was wrong - fueled by misinformation and fear. I, like you, am now dedicated to educating people and lobbying for change. I am learning as I go but you will find lots of great information and links to national organizations here that are standing up to change these insane laws.
So, welcome! I am so sorry that you need us due to the circumstances in your son's life but you have found a safe place full of caring and compassionate people.
Stay Strong and come here whenever you need us.
Iris
sadsong44, I appreciate and look forward to hearing from you privately as my son is in Florence-Eyman-Meadows Unit for the next 2 years.
tearsforson you and your son are in my prayers.
redeiazepam and irisvvg thank you and bless you for your replies.