DETROIT, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- An officer with the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force says child predators are using open wireless Internet connections to stalk children.
Michigan State Police Lt. Tom Kish said parents are often unaware of how easy it is for children playing Internet games to be stalked by child predators, The Detroit News reported.
"Predators aren't sitting in their basements anymore," said Kish, commander of the Michigan Internet task force. "They're working out of Starbucks. Open wireless is creating new problems."
Kish said what was once a one-person challenge, gaming is now an online social networking activity with many players and it can open the door to child predation.
"This is a new medium for child predators," Kish said. "There's an immediate connection (the game) that gives predators an opportunity to start a dialogue."
Police cited the example of John W. Phillips, who said he "wed" a 13-year-old Detroit girl while playing the online computer game "RuneScape."
Phillips, a Massachusetts man, was charged earlier this month with 11 felonies, including sexual assault. Police said Phillips, 54, evolved the relationship with the girl and set up places to have sex.
"People who are predators on young people are methodical and practiced in a process of grooming (children)," said Glen Stutzky, a clinical instructor in the School of Social Work at Michigan State University. "They work to gain their trust and admiration."
