Monday, June 11, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Requests that Nixon Use Subpoena Power to Find Sex Offenders Using Social Networking Sites
JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Matt Blunt today said he is concerned that a spreadsheet of possible sex offenders from Missouri who may have used MySpace.com that was provided to the Missouri State Highway Patrol by Attorney General Jay Nixon may actually be a product of a contractor working for MySpace.com. Though this is potentially valuable, it does not do enough to protect our young people from sexual predators. Blunt called on Nixon to use his subpoena power directly on MySpace.com and other social networking sites such as Facebook.com.
Last month, Gov. Blunt requested that Nixon follow the actions of Attorneys Generals in Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania who had sought information from MySpace.com. These eight Attorneys General took the lead in seeking information from MySpace.com about sex offenders who were using the social networking site.
"This May 14th letter by your colleagues compelled MySpace.com to use the contractor for subsequent attorneys general inquiries like yours," Blunt wrote in the letter. "However, I strongly encourage you to consider using subpoena power directly on MySpace.com."
Blunt is concerned that the information provided by a contractor working for MySpace.com may not be complete or provide the level of detail our law enforcement need to help protect our young people from sexual predators.
Blunt also encouraged Nixon to look at other social networking sites in addition to MySpace.com to find Missouri sex offenders who may be trying to prey on our young people online.
"MySpace.com is only one of many social networking Internet sites," Blunt wrote. "I would encourage you to broaden your search and use your subpoena power to look at other Internet sites such as Facebook.com. Thank you for getting on this project immediately. You have made a start. Protecting our young Missourians is a high priority of my administration and I am grateful for any assistance you can offer."
Letter to Attorney General - June 11, 2007 [PDF]
Letter to Attorney General - May 29, 2007 [PDF]
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