Judy Cornett, Founder and Executive Director


On October 22, 1992, Judy's son, Jason was abducted, brutally raped and left for dead, but by the grace of God, her son’s life was spared. This was a major turning point for Judy and her family, a nightmare, which became a reality.

Judy was a single parent raising two young, athletic boys. Little did she realize her days of attending fun events such as baseball, football and karate were now in the past. 

Judy struggled to learn about the drastic behavior changes in her son, was forced to give up her job, and dealing with the judicial system, she realized that she was on her own to fight an uphill battle. There were many restless nights and haunting nightmares. 
She struggled with the confusion from the domino effects that took place in her family and amongst her friends and  with anger, fear, depression, withdrawal, promiscuous behaviors, poor self-esteem, suicide thoughts & attempts, aggression, regression, school problems, hyperactivity, and illegal acts. All of these symptoms were the wicked gifts of a "predator". What she called, "the curse".

For years, Judy struggled to survive and cope with these scary and unpredictable changes. She realized that the only way out of the darkness was to help others. Ms. Cornett's advocacy became a healing tool. She started educating families nationally, telling her story on talk shows such as, "Leeza", "Oprah", "Montel", "ABC's 20/20", "The O' Reilly Factor", "Japan Fugi TV", "Geraldo At Large", "Woman Magazine" and "People Magazine".

She made communities aware of dangerous predators. She spent countless hours going door to door, city to city and state to state on Sexual Predator Education, holding meetings, giving presentations and talking to anyone who would listen. She was responsible for over twenty arrests of Sex Offenders in the year 2007 and many internet sites getting shut down, including the profiles of many Myspace.com users. 

Her passion is so strong and her drive is endless and powerful. She has given her life savings and her modest income to continue her fight. If she goes to bed at night, knowing that she saved one child's life or took one more child molester off the street, she knows her battle has been won!

   
In 2003, the State Attorney's words finally came true and I got my wish again! Acting on my own, I discovered that Kevin Kinder had violated his probation for a second time. I directed police to his whereabouts, and a search of his home revealed a stolen vehicle in the garage and his garbage and home computer turned up evidence that he was indeed in violation of his probation. These charges landed him back in prison with a 60-year sentence. But, my fight for justice did not stop there!

By this time, I had become familiarized with the laws regarding sexual predators, and I redirected my career and became an Advocate for Victim's and Victim's Right's. Outspoken, passionate, and focused, I had learned to use the media to get my message out to the public.

I became the Founder and Executive Director of Safety Zone Advocacy, Inc. which is designed to educate children and their families about Sexual Predator Awareness. I began an internship with a Private Investigator, with the goal of specializing in Sexual Abuse cases. I became an active Advocate for Victims of Sexual Abuse and I now offer my support to families who have suffered the loss of a child through Sexual Crimes. I have been a supporter for the families of Carlie Brucia, Jessica Lundsford, Sarah Lunde, and Elizabeth Shoaf, amongst other's. I continue to appear in the Local and National Media to voice my opinion's about Sexual Predator Laws. I even conducted my own "sting operation" engaging an online predator in 2003, which eventually led to the arrest and conviction of a twenty year Veteran Reserve Deputy in the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison. 

So, now you have it, this is my story!  How I overcame what seemed to be impossible odds to emerge as a strong voice against Sexual Predators. It is also the story of my son Jason's ordeal, and how he survived the horrifying attack upon him. Fifteen years later, he still struggles daily with the demons that attack him, unleashed. So today, I am here to share with you the knowledge I have obtained from our emotional story about love, hope, determination and survival.

Judy Cornett has now taken it to the next level and has formed a great team, which is her pride and joy,
"Safety Zone Advocacy, Inc." and “Predator Patrol."




A Video Montage Of Judy's Story

Created By:
Lorrie Benjamin