MARY KOZAKIEWICZ

Mary and Alicia Kozakiewicz

On New Year’s Day 2002, Mary’s then-13-year-old daughter, Alicia, disappeared from their Pennsylvania home, lured by an online acquaintance. Authorities, following the ‘digital fingerprints’, rescued her from a Virginia townhouse where they found her physically restrained. FBI agents arrested a 38-year-old computer programmer who is currently serving his sentence.

Mary, along with her daughter, Alicia, now 21, have become advocates for Internet Safety, addressing private as well as governmental organizations and stressing the need for education and effective legislation. While Mary continues to speak with parents, urging them to be vigilant concerning web safety and advocating software which blocks a predator’s access to the child and monitors usage, her daughter warns children and teens of the dangers of communicating with, and meeting people on, the Internet. Alicia has vowed to be the “voice of those children who no longer can speak for themselves.” Additionally, as a member of Team HOPE, Mary reaches out in support of other parents whose children are endangered or missing.

The Kozakiewicz family, including husband and father, Charles, have participated in Internet Safety films for both Law Enforcement and the private sector. Their story is the subject of various magazine articles, including People Magazine, as well as an award-winning PBS special.