by Tampa, Florida — The father of a Florida woman accused of sexually abusing multiple middle school boys is claiming his daughter is the “real victim,” arguing that her long history of mental illness and developmental limitations should fundamentally change how the case is viewed as it heads toward trial.
The defendant, Alyssa Ann Zinger, 25, is currently jailed on multiple felony charges after investigators alleged she posed as a teenage girl online and engaged in sexual acts with at least five boys between the ages of 12 and 15.
Her father, Josh Zinger, told reporters that his daughter’s cognitive and psychological impairments make her legally incapable of consent — and therefore, he argues, the abuse narrative has been wrongly assigned.
Father Claims Daughter Has Severe Mental Limitations
Josh Zinger said his daughter grew up in what he described as a stable, religious household but struggled with serious mental health issues from a young age. According to him, Alyssa has been diagnosed over the years with ADHD, ADD, OCD, Tourette’s syndrome, and anorexia, and has undergone treatment from more than a dozen mental health professionals.
He also claimed she once scored 72 on an IQ test, well below the average score of 100.
“She’s defective — mentally defective,” Zinger said. “And under the law, if someone is mentally defective, it’s illegal to have sex with them, regardless of age. In all actuality, she is the victim.”
Legal experts note that while mental competency can be raised as a defense, it does not automatically negate criminal responsibility, especially in cases involving minors.
Allegations Involving Online Persona and Multiple Victims
Investigators allege that Zinger created a social media persona posing as a 14-year-old girl and used it to meet boys enrolled in a Florida middle school. Authorities say the encounters occurred over several months and involved repeated sexual contact.
Zinger was first arrested in 2023, after police learned she had allegedly been involved with one boy for an extended period. In April 2024, she was arrested again after investigators identified four additional alleged victims.
Prosecutors say the case escalated as evidence emerged of explicit images, online communications, and additional encounters.
Father Blames One Boy for Introducing Others
Josh Zinger claimed one of the boys knowingly brought his daughter into an unsafe situation and introduced her to other minors, alleging that they were aware of her age and mental instability.
He alleged that his daughter stayed at the boy’s residence for months and was subsequently introduced to other students who later became part of the investigation.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed these claims, and prosecutors maintain that minors cannot legally consent under Florida law, regardless of circumstances.
Serious Felony Charges Filed
Zinger remains in custody and is facing multiple felony charges, including:
- Lewd or lascivious battery
- Lewd or lascivious molestation
- Possession of child sexual abuse material
- Electronic transmission of child sexual abuse material
- Sexual cyber harassment
She is currently scheduled to stand trial in May, and prosecutors have indicated the case will proceed without a plea agreement.
“There will be no plea deal,” her father said. “She’ll get time served and that’s it.”
The State Attorney’s Office has not commented on those assertions.
Claims of Abuse While in Jail
Josh Zinger also alleged that his daughter has been mistreated by other inmates, claiming her food has been intentionally contaminated because of the nature of the charges against her.
Correctional officials have not confirmed those allegations, and no formal complaints have been publicly disclosed.
Read Also: Connecticut Mother Allegedly Had Adult Impersonate Murdered Daughter to Mislead State Caseworker
Case Raises Complex Legal and Ethical Questions
The case has drawn attention due to the intersection of mental health, criminal responsibility, and crimes involving minors — areas where the law is often strict and emotionally charged.
While mental illness can play a role in sentencing or competency evaluations, Florida law treats sexual crimes involving minors as strict liability offenses, meaning intent and mental capacity may not absolve responsibility.
At the same time, defense attorneys are expected to argue that Zinger’s mental state should be considered in determining culpability and punishment.
What Comes Next
As the trial date approaches, the court will likely hear expert testimony regarding Zinger’s mental health, cognitive capacity, and understanding of her actions. Prosecutors are expected to focus on evidence gathered from digital devices, victim statements, and forensic analysis.
The case continues to raise difficult questions about accountability, protection of minors, and how the justice system handles defendants with significant mental health challenges.
Do you think mental illness should fundamentally change how cases like this are prosecuted, or should the law remain strict when minors are involved? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
