Note: While these stories are based on actual events, names and certain details have been altered or removed to protect the privacy of the subjects.

A misleading friendship

As a child, Peter visited the websites of his favourite cartoon characters and TV shows. By the time Peter turned 14 he was involved in online gaming, which became the focus of his social life in early high school.

When his parents divorced, Peter and his mother, Diane, moved to a new city. His favourite websites and chatrooms eased his loneliness, especially since he found it tough to make friends at his new school.

Peter had only "known" Leonard for three months before he changed school - they had met in a chatroom. Peter was trying to deal with his parents' divorce, and his friendship with Leonard offered him comfort. The pair forged a bond through gaming, as Leonard knew a lot about role-playing games and encouraged Peter to take part.

Every day they hooked up to play their favourite game. The two shared personal stories, and each appeared to fill a void for the other. Peter's recent move had separated him from his dad, while Leonard's own son had recently left for college. Leonard was a good listener and offered encouragement whenever Peter discussed the challenges of his new life. This support made it easier for Peter to settle into school. Even Diane saw the improvement in his outlook and attitude.

As the friendship progressed, Leonard invited Peter for a vacation to his home in California. Peter was sure he and Leonard would spend the long weekend exploring new games. Although Diane was a bit hesitant at first, Peter eventually persuaded her to let him go. Leonard didn't seem creepy to Diane—in fact, he had sent Diane an email about himself. As a result, she didn't feel scared when Peter boarded the plane and headed across the country to visit his online friend and mentor.

When Peter's plane landed at the airport on a hot summer afternoon, Leonard picked him up and they headed to a community pool. Peter enjoyed the rough-housing, splashing and wrestling. It all seemed like fun until they went to Leonard's apartment. Then the rough-housing turned into hugging; Leonard also kept stroking Peter's back. Away from the security of his home, Peter realized that he didn't really know Leonard very well at all, and that the friendship suddenly seemed very scary.

It turns out that Leonard was a convicted sex offender, and that Peter wasn't the first boy to visit him that month. Fortunately, Leonard's parole officer learned of the visits and called the police immediately.