Security is not just about networks and passwords, hackers or spam. It’s about feeling safe when you are online. In late 2007 and earlier this year, there was a great deal of outrage when a girl committed suicide over the verbal harassment by an online bully. Later, you learned this bully was actually the mother of another girl who pulled off the stunt in an attempt to get information. The mother, Lori Drew, was indicted Thursday on one count of conspiracy and three counts of accessing protected computers without authorization to obtain information to inflict emotional distress.
Mother who turned into cyberbully gets indicted for her role in teen suicide. (IMG:J.Anderson)
The story of Megan Meier is a sad one. The 13 year old hung her self, distraught over comments left by a boy named Josh Evans, with whom Megan had developed a strong relationship. Josh turned on Megan, and in October of 2006, Megan hung herself in the closet. Megan’s parents discovered her body and later it was learned that because of a fall-out with another girl (Lori Drew’s daughter), Lori Drew created Josh Evans as a means to get close to Megan and learn the details of what Megan was saying about her daughter.
On Thursday, a Los Angeles federal grand jury handed down the indictment to the St. Louis woman and charged her with conspiracy and three counts of accessing protected computers without authorization.
This will not bring Megan back; the sad truth is that because of a vindictive mother, a child has lost her life. The fact that technology played a role was a serious wakeup call at the time to many parents.
Originally, there were thoughts that there was to be no punishment for Lori Drew who hatched this scheme as a means to gain intelligence. The good news is that two years later there might be some justice for Megan’s parents.
dennyMay 16th, 2008 - 00:57:17
hang the bitch
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