UNDERCOVER UNDERAGE: Meet the

UNDERCOVER UNDERAGE

A Mom Disguises Herself as a Teen to Nab Online Predators

by Maggie Rodriguez, photos courtesy of Discovery+

Fifteen-year-old Floribeth brushes her long hair, puts on a headband and checks her braces in the mirror. She’s about to connect with a man she met online—a predator with bad intentions. He has no idea that she’s not actually a teenager. She is 38-yearold child advocate Roo Powell, in disguise, as one of three teenaged personas she created for her new show, Undercover Underage, now streaming on Discovery+.

TBPM: HOW DID YOU TRANSFORM YOURSELF INTO THESE TEENAGERS? TBPM: WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PREDATORS WHO ENGAGE WITH YOUR CHARACTERS?

RP: We use a lot of different techniques. We use wigs, prosthetics, make-up and teen clothing and then we also use the context of a background like a kid’s bedroom. We also have a very savvy visual lead who has all the things to de-age me from being 38 to being a believable teen and that includes removing little smile lines and the wrinkles and the stretch marks. RP: Our role is we gather the evidence. We’re able to identify who the bad actor is online and we take that and we hand it over to law enforcement. And we close our books on that case essentially. Law enforcement can do a number of things with that. They can conduct their own independent investigation, or we give them the account so they can log in as a teenaged girl and they can be the ones communicating so they can collect the evidence themselves.

TBPM: WHAT ARE SOME INTRICACIES ABOUT BEING A TEEN THAT YOU HAD TO PERFECT TO MAKE THE PERSONAS SEEM AUTHENTIC? TBPM: HOW PERVASIVE IS THE PROBLEM?

RP: For us it’s really important to keep our finger on the pulse of how teens communicate. It’s really easy to sound like you’re trying really hard and not being an authentic teen. So we spent a lot of time studying teen culture and what the kids are doing and saying because that language is always evolving and so our knowledge of that needs to evolve along with it.

TBPM: HOW DO PREDATORS BEGIN TO WOO OR GROOM THEIR VICTIMS?

RP: A lot of times the conversation starts off really benign. And what they do is this level of trust-building that seems super innocuous in the beginning, and it makes it easy for kids to say something less innocuous. For example, someone might say, “Oh what are you wearing to school today?” And you might say, “overalls and a t-shirt.” [Then they might say], “Oh that sounds so cute. Can you take a photo?” And so you take a photo because that seems benign. And once a kid is used to saying yes over and over again, it becomes really easy to coerce a kid to say yes to something that’s a bit more insidious. And they do this slow burn sometimes, and at that point, they’ve built trust. They make you believe that they’re your friend or your boyfriend or someone that really cares about you.

TBPM: WHAT’S THE MOST DISTURBING INTERACTION THAT YOU HAD?

RP: I think the ones that bother me the most are the ones that the men I’m talking to are very obviously involved in some sort of C-SAM business (C-SAM meaning “child sex abuse material,” which a lot of us know as child porn). They’re very invested in creating and collecting it and disseminating and selling it. Maybe there’s a revenue model there. And this kind of ties into sex trafficking as well. As opposed to it being—you know, one person looking for one kid to groom—it’s multiple people looking for multiple kids looking to create C-SAM in order to generate revenue. Those are the ones that keep me up at night for sure. RP: I think people would be shocked at how pervasive it actually is. And people think, oh maybe it’s because this teenaged girl is posting photos of herself in a bikini on Instagram, so of course people are reaching out to her. I have posed as an 11-year-old, completely covered, neck to knees and it doesn’t matter. Any kid can be a target. Any kid can be at risk, regardless of gender, regardless of sexuality, regardless of age. And I think that is the part that can be really shocking to parents is that it’s not about being a good kid; it’s not about being a smart kid; it’s simply just about being a kid and the onus is on us as a society to protect our most vulnerable, which is kids.

TBPM: WHAT CAN WE AS PARENTS DO TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN FROM PREDATORS?

RP: The best thing I believe parents can do is to talk with their kids often about online dangers because this is new. It’s uncharted territory and predation can happen on any app with a chat client, any website with a chat client. It’s not limited to Snapchat and Tik Tok and the ones that get all the buzz in the news. It’s coloring book apps, it’s gaming platforms and so parents need to let their kids know to trust their gut. You know, if something feels yuck, tell a parent or a caregiver and let them know that they’re not going to be penalized should something happen because abuse is never a victim’s fault. And that is the biggest issue is that a kid is led to believe it’s their fault somehow, and they feel ashamed, and they’re scared to tell someone because they feel they’re going to be blamed.

TBPM: WHAT IS YOUR GOAL WITH THIS SHOW? IT WILL BE A SUCCESS IF…?

RP: The show will be a success if it empowers our communities to combat sex abuse together. And it empowers parents and caregivers to be there for kids. It empowers lawmakers to consider grooming statutes and raising the age of consent. I will feel like it’s a success if there is just mass awareness around this.

Your Guide to: Tampa BayArea Schools

The Tampa Bay area is lucky to have such a wealth of incredible private, charter and magnet education options that make it easy to find the perfect school for your child.

ACADEMY AT THE LAKES 2331 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes 34639 813-948-7600; academyatthelakes.org/admission

Our integrated, hands-on approach and signature programs ensure our PreK - grade 12 students experience limitless opportunities today that will open the doors of tomorrow with a 100% 4-year college placement rate. Learn more about the Academy difference and apply for the 2021-2022 school year today! Enrollment: 425 Class-Size: 7:1 Grades: PreK3-grade 12 Tuition: $13,000 - $25,500

ACADEMY OF THE HOLY NAMES 3319 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa 33629 813-839-5371; holynamestpa.org

For 140 years, the Academy of the Holy Names has empowered students to be authentic individuals who engage in independent thought, are inspired by creativity, and lead culturally aware, spiritually rich lives. Our innovative approach to curriculum integrates technology, encourages artistic expression and actively engages students in exploration and inquiry. Enrollment: 970 Class-Size: varies Grades: PreK to grade 8 Coed, grades 9-12 All Girls Tuition: $13,250 - $21,150

ADMIRAL FARRAGUT ACADEMY 501 Park St. N., St. Petersburg, 33710 727-384-5504; farragut.org

Admiral Farragut Academy offers a globally diverse student experience, comprehensive academic structure and strong character education for students entering kindergarten-12th grade and domestic or international boarding students entering 8th-12th grade. We boast signature programs such as sailing, scuba, aviation and leadership. We now also offer a postgraduate program! Enrollment: 450 Class-Size: 18 Grades: K-12 Tuition: $15,000$25,000, includes hot lunch

ALEGRIA MONTESSORI SCHOOL 5995 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S., St. Petersburg 33705 727-310-8243; alegriamontessori.com

Alegria Montessori School is an authentic Montessori program that creates a rich learning environment and supports individual development. We are also a bilingual program, with students receiving Spanish instruction throughout the week from native Spanish speakers. We offer a true Montessori education through middle school. Come discover the joy of Montessori. Enrollment: 140 Class-Size: Small class sizes in elementary and middle school Grades: age 1 to grade 8 Tuition: Varies depending on age

AMERICAN MONTESSORI PREPARATORY SCHOOL Grace Episcopal Church, 15102 Amberly Drive, Tampa Palms 33647 813-558-9338; ampsmontessori.com

Science of teaching creates a love of learning at our authentic Montessori Program that serves students 3 to 6 years of age with flexible programs, exquisite materials from Holland, affordable pricing and certified, experienced and caring teachers. Call (813) 558-9338 to schedule a tour of our beautifully prepared classrooms or visit our website at ampsmontessori. com. Montessori, inspiring children since 1907. Enrollment: 30 Class-Size: 10 Grades: ages 3-6, includes Kindergarten Tuition: $325 - $690/ month

BAYSHORE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 3909 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa 33611 813-839-4297; bayshorechristianschool.org

Bayshore Christian School is a college preparatory, accredited, non-denominational Christian school serving students 2 years old through 12th grade. Founded in 1971, Bayshore Christian School is located on 10 acres in residential South Tampa. BCS provides athletics and fine arts opportunities in addition to a rigorous and challenging academic curriculum. Enrollment: 250 Class-Size: 10 Grades: K2-12 Tuition: $8,860-$10,800

BELL CREEK ACADEMY 13221 Boyette Road, Riverview 33569 813-793-6075; bellcreekacademy.com

A tuition-free public charter school proudly serving grades 6-12, Bell Creek provides a well-rounded college preparatory education. The challenging and rigorous curriculum includes a special concentration on math and science, a technology-rich atmosphere and a focus on character development. We are an “A” rated Florida School of Excellence offering the Cambridge Program for Advanced Studies and an award-winning athletic program and are Cognia accredited.

BERKELEY PREPARATORY SCHOOL 4811 Kelly Road, Tampa 33615 813-885-1673; berkeleyprep.org

Berkeley Preparatory School presents a safe, nurturing environment with inspiring teachers on a beautiful campus. Our broad curricular and extracurricular program is enjoyed by a diverse community of learners following personalized paths. Students relish a supportive culture, the school’s Episcopal identity, its commitment to self-improvement and dedication to making a positive difference in the world.

BOWERS/WHITLEY CAREER ACCELERATION ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL 13609 N. 22nd. St., Tampa 33613 813-558-1750; hillsboroughschools.org/bowers-whitley

Bowers/Whitley Career Acceleration Academy High School offers a unique experience that allows students the opportunity to earn their high school diploma and valuable career/vocational training. Students have the option to graduate up to one year early. Students can earn industry certifications in Automotive Repair or achieve training in Building Construction Technologies. We offer a flexible, caring and supportive small learning environment.

CALVARY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL 110 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 33759 727-449-2247; cchs.us

Calvary offers an advanced college preparatory education in an environment where students are taught a Christian worldview with the Word of God being integrated into each subject. Calvary also offers many extra-curricular activities for your child including athletics, fine arts, SGA, clubs, leadership opportunities and more! Come for a visit today!

CANTERBURY SCHOOL OF FLORIDA 990 62nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg 33702 727-521-5903; canterburyflorida.org

Canterbury School of Florida is a private, co-ed, college preparatory school on two campuses in Saint Petersburg serving ages 3 through grade 12. Founded in 1968, Canterbury School of Florida educates and nurtures the whole child in mind, body and spirit in preparation for college and an honorable life as a responsible steward of our world.

CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL Main Campus - 1515 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 33613 Preschool Campus - 12606 Casey Road, Tampa 33618 813-920-2288; cdspatriots.org

Carrollwood Day School is a world class coed IB school in Tampa for college bound students age 2 to grade 12. Our mission is to create entrepreneurial thinkers for a global society. We provide strong character-based education emphasizing problem-solving skills and philanthropic understanding. CDS fosters the development of the entire student not only in academics, but also ethically, emotionally and through social experience.

CENTER ACADEMY 6710 86th Ave. N., Pinellas Park 33782 727-541-5716; centeracademy.com

Founded in 1968 and AdvancED accredited, Center Academy provides a small, safe setting to help students to focus, organize and learn. We work with students in grades 4-12 with ADHD and learning differences and accept McKay, Gardiner and Tax Credit Scholarships. Dual enrolment and summer programs are available. Grades: 6-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 1,401 Fall 2021 Class-Size: 20 Grades: PreK-grade 12 Tuition: $18,825 - $28,450

Enrollment: 64 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 755 Class-Size: 12:1 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: See website

Enrollment: 400 Class-Size: 12 Grades: PreK3-12 Tuition: $6,000 - $22,000

Enrollment: 1,094 Class-Size: 15-18, ratio 6:1 Grades: ages 2 to grade 12 Tuition: $6,548-$24,235

Enrollment: 90 Class-Size: 18 Grades: 4-12 Tuition: $12,680-$15,180

CHANNELSIDE ACADEMY OF MATH & SCIENCE 1029 E. Twiggs St., Tampa 33602 813-579-9649; channelsideacademy.com

Students at this tuition-free, public charter school receive a well-rounded college preparatory education. The challenging and rigorous curriculum includes a special concentration on math and science, a technology-rich atmosphere and a focus on character development preparing students for their secondary education and beyond. Offerings include the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies, Edvantage before and after school program, Tampa Bay’s Grasses in Classes Program and Cognia accreditation.

CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC SCHOOL 3809 W. Morrison Ave., Tampa 33629 813-876-8770; cks-school.org

Christ the King Catholic School inspires each child to grow in the love of Christ, the joy of knowledge and the spirit of service. Our outstanding faculty, joyful campus and enriching academics provide PreK–8th grade students with a strong foundation to excel at the area's leading high schools. Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 514 Class-Size: 23 Grades: PreK4-8 Tuition: $8,540-$10,310

COMMUNITY MONTESSORI SCHOOL Toddler & Primary Campus, 4930 Webb Road, Tampa 33615; 813-886-2050 Elementary & Middle Campus, 8411 Civic Road, Tampa 33615; 813-886-3969 communitymontessori.org

Community Montessori School provides a prepared environment that responds to the developmental needs of the child and cultivates the unique potential of each individual by adhering to Montessori principles. CMS is a warm, secure community with a high expectation for the quality of thought, work and mastery of content and skill. Enrollment: 125 Class-Size: Average 20 Grades: 18 months-15 years Tuition: $7,200-$10,700

CORBETT PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF IDS 12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa 33618 813-961-3087; corbettprep.com

Founded 53 years ago, Corbett Prep offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum for all students. Teachers use research-based strategies to create hands-on learning experiences. Visual and performing arts, team sports, and social-emotional learning curriculum align to develop confident, creative, innovative thinkers with character ready to contribute to the world in a meaningful, positive way. Enrollment: 514 Class-Size: Varies by grade (12-20) Grades: PreK3-grade 8 Tuition: $13,255 - $17,775

COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 1850 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 33759 727-437-0090; myccacademy.org

Countryside Christian Academy's mission is to provide excellence in Christian education while instilling Biblical principles in students' lives that they might impact their society for Christ. Our program is fully accredited and well-balanced, encouraging the development of the whole child: spirit, soul, (mind) and body. Enrollment: 180 Class-Size: 1:15 Grades: K-8 Tuition: $9,000 + Fees

CRISTO REY TAMPA SALESIAN HIGH SCHOOL & CORPORATE WORK STUDY PROGRAM 6400 E. Chelsea St., Tampa 33610 813-621-8300; cristoreytampa.org

Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School is a Catholic high school that offers a career-focused, college preparatory education for students with limited economic resources, uniquely integrating rigorous academic curricula with four years of professional work experience and support to and through college. We partner with educators, businesses and the community to enable students to fulfill their aspirations for a lifetime of success.

D. W. WATERS CAREER ACCELERATION ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL 2704 N. Highland Ave., Tampa 33602 813-233-2655; hillsboroughschools.org/dwwaters

D.W. Waters Career Acceleration Academy High School offers the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and valuable career/vocational certification in Plumbing/Construction, Cosmetology and Barbering. We have the only accredited High School Plumbing Program in Florida. Our academic offerings include accelerated curriculum, individual academic plans and the potential for early graduation. Enrollment: 190 Class-Size: Small Grades: 9-12 Tuition: Varies

Enrollment: 50 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE