Alyssa Ann Zinger, 25, is accused of posing as a 14-year-old online and sexually engaging with five middle school boys; she was arrested in 2023 and again in April 2024. Her father says she has multiple mental-health diagnoses and once scored 72 on an IQ test, arguing she is the real victim and was manipulated by a teenage boy who introduced her to others. Zinger faces several felony counts, including lewd or lascivious molestation and possession and transmission of child pornography, and is scheduled for trial in May. All allegations remain subject to court proceedings.
Father Says Daughter Is The 'Real Victim' As 25-Year-Old Florida Woman Accused Of Abusing Middle Schoolers Faces Trial
Father claims daughter accused of sex crimes with Florida middle schoolers is the 'real victim'
Alyssa Ann Zinger, 25, has been accused of posing online as a teenage girl and engaging in sexual activity with multiple middle school boys. Her father, Josh Zinger, told reporters that Alyssa has a long history of mental-health diagnoses and a low IQ score, and he argues she is the true victim in the situation. The case remains pending and the allegations have not been proven in court.
Allegations and Arrests
Authorities say Zinger posed as a 14-year-old on social media and had dozens of encounters with a boy aged between 12 and 15. Investigators later identified four additional alleged victims, bringing the total to five boys. Zinger was first arrested in 2023 and was arrested again in April 2024 after the additional alleged victims were identified.
Charges
Prosecutors have charged Zinger with multiple felonies, including lewd or lascivious battery, lewd or lascivious molestation, possession of child pornography, in-state transmission of child pornography by an electronic device, and sexual cyber harassment. She is currently jailed and is scheduled to stand trial in May.
Father's Account and Mental-Health Claims
"She had a lot of problems growing up. Our daughter has been to 10 to 12 psychologists and psychiatrists throughout her life," Josh Zinger told The California Post.
Josh Zinger said his daughter was diagnosed with conditions including ADHD, OCD, Tourette’s syndrome and anorexia while growing up in suburban Tampa. He also said she once scored 72 on an IQ test and argued she was "mentally defective," a term he used to explain why he believes she could not legally consent and therefore is the victim. These characterizations come from her father and have not been established by the court.
Alyssa Zinger allegedly communicated with teenage boys via social media.(Getty Images)
Alleged Role Of Teenagers
According to the father's account, a teenage boy discovered Zinger's social-media profile, invited her to his apartment and kept her there for months, where he allegedly introduced her to other school-age boys. Prosecutors say that network of contacts led to the other alleged victims being involved.
Jail Treatment
The father also claimed that Zinger has been mistreated by other inmates while jailed, alleging contamination of her food and other hostile acts because of the nature of the accusations. Jail conditions and such claims have not been independently verified here.
Legal Status
Zinger remains in custody on the listed felony charges and is due to go to trial in May. As with any criminal matter, the charges are allegations until proven in court.
Note: The details above reflect allegations reported by law enforcement and statements made by the defendant's father to the media. The defendant's guilt or innocence will be determined through legal proceedings.
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