Cyber Bully Mom on Trial
by Frank Jovine on 11/20/2008 in Internet, People
This high profile case is starting to sound more like revenge. There are stories brewing that indicate Lori Drew’s daughter was being bullied by Megan Meier. If this is true, than one could believe that this may not only be Lori Drew’s doing, but also here daughters.
Lori Drew is accused of preying on the mind of a vulnerable 13-year-old,”Megan Meier”. Meier, who had a history of depression, committed suicide in 2006 after Drew allegedly posed as a love struck teenage boy, Josh Evans, on MySpace and later e-mailed Meier, telling her “the world would be a better place without you.” Consequently, a distraught Meier hung herself.
In addition to Drew, her daughter and another teen were reportedly involved in the harassment; all have denied their involvement and have not been charged.
After failing to indict Drew under Missouri laws, the case was brought to U.S. District Court in Los Angeles since it is the headquarters of Fox Entertainment, the parent company of MySpace.
Drew was indicted on one count of conspiracy and three violations of the anti-hacking Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. The Drew case is the first of its kind to be tried under the act, which, as its name implies, targets hackers.
One way or another, the truth will come out in this case. There are two things the prosecution has going for them, the case involves more than one person and that could play in their favor when cross examine begins. Secondly, many of the jurors know about this story, and it may prove to be tough for these jurors to remain impartial. According to U.S. District Judge George Wu, “the jury selection process itself was fraught with drama as many people said they could not remain impartial.”
If convicted, Drew could serve up to 20 years in prison.
Julie
Nov 20th, 2008
I hope she gets the full term of punishment. Our children are a most precious gift and to be mistreated like this is a form of abuse unlike any other. To think an adult would go to to this level is unthinkable. Thanks for sharing this story Frank.
Frank J
Nov 20th, 2008
Julie,
No doubt, we need to protect our children, but also give them there space. We need to educate them about the cyber-crimes that exist.
Fool
Nov 21st, 2008
Parents do need to be involved in their child’s activities, but this mother was way too involved, bullying her daughters friend to the point of suicide. Frank how could we compare this to when we were kids. playing stick ball in the street. We would never dream in fact would never come out to play again if our mom got involved with our arguments. If this mother was indeed involved, in contributing to this emotionally unstable teens suicide then she should be held to some sort of accountability for her actions.
AreYouOffended
Nov 24th, 2008
Adults should not be allowed to use the internets.