By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
In recent decades, the number of youths who interact with assaults while navigating the internet has increased. Groomed for Greatness, a local nonprofit collaborated with Assets Toledo, Councilman John Hobbs III, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Do It For James Foundation. The December 18 session was held at Scott High School’s second floor theatre.
The speakers focused on providing information and stories to keep kids safe online. Parents, guardians, youth and community leaders were in attendance.
“Welcome and thank you for coming tonight,” said Michelle McCaster, Groomed for Greatness founder/executive director. “We are pleased to have experts that will speak about different topics because we must keep our children safe.”
“This is important information for our kids because they are using advance networks and not just their pager with codes anymore,” said Councilman Hobbs III. “We must have an open-door policy with our kids. Thank you to Michelle. The Bible speaks specifically about how we treat our children.”
FBI Agent Matt Crowley shared statistics and prevention methods to combat sextortion, which is defined as the practice of extorting money or sexual favors from someone by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activity. A video explained that youth can become victims by interacting with people whom they believe are peers because of the profile information, or disinformation, and photo. The scammer then requests a photo or video and then uses the photo or other claims such as hacking to demand money, noting that the demand will not cease.
“We want to keep kids safe,” said FBI Agent Crowley. “I work with the Violent Crimes Against Children task force that has six to eight full-time agents. These demons target our young people. Young people listen to your parents and grandparents. Parents and grandparents understand the signs because it could also be a sign of bullying. For example, if your child now wants to lock their door, you need to be aware of that.”
Do It For James Foundation was formed following the tragedy that occurred to James Timothy Woods, a 17-year-old boy from Ohio. His parents formed a foundation and shared his story. In November 2022, James Woods began interacting with someone online whom he thought was a peer, and after sending a photo, the offender altered the photo and spent almost 48 hours attacking him. By November 19, his father found him lifeless in his room. During that time James Woods received 200 text messages that threatened to destroy his life and encouraged him to end his life.
“We will be vulnerable with you and welcome you to be open with us,” said Tamia Woods. “Our son never came to us when he needed us. We are here for each one of you. All I have left of my son are pictures. I won’t get justice. I didn’t know about sextortion and couldn’t prepare him. James didn’t tell a single soul. You need to tell someone if this happens to you.”
“He was our pride, joy, and love,” offered Tim Woods. “James and I spent time together watching movies and playing games. When I found him, I was filled with so much anger. I dropped to my knees, prayed and held him one last time.”
The session also provided free refreshments to all attendees and the sponsor Groomed for Greatness also made a financial contribution to Do It For James Foundation. The Foundation is an Ohio-based agency that works with communities to increase awareness, provide support and education to both parents and children on crime against students, while also supplying a wide range of assistance for those in need.
Groomed for Greatness is a local nonprofit that provides educational programs, personal development sessions, as well as mentoring and bonding opportunities that engage and strengthen families. Groomed for Greatness website (https://groomedforgreatness.org/) and Do It For James Foundation website (https://www.letsdifj.org/). The Lucas County Suicide Prevention also hosted an information table for attendees and shared the crisis phone number, 988 or text 741-741.
