Melissa’s Law: Protect Against Fake Digital Evidence and Hold Offenders Fully Accountable

My name is Melissa Sims, and my life was turned upside down by a lie — a lie created using fake digital evidence.

I was wrongfully accused and arrested because someone intentionally fabricated evidence to frame me. The so-called “proof” against me was manipulated. The truth? I am innocent. Yet my reputation, career, and peace of mind have been devastated, while the offender — Eric Sims — is walking around free.

This should never happen to anyone. But right now in Florida, and across the United States, there is no clear, strong law to protect innocent people from being targeted with falsified digital evidence — including AI-generated images, fake texts, and manipulated files.

Melissa’s Law will:

Make it a serious felony to knowingly create or use fake digital evidence to frame another person.

Require immediate, thorough verification of digital evidence before charges are filed.

Hold offenders fully accountable to the highest degree of the law when they intentionally destroy lives with fabricated proof.

Framing someone is not a prank. It’s a calculated act that destroys reputations, careers, families — and sometimes freedom. The damage is permanent unless we change the law.

I am calling on the Florida Legislature, the Collier County State Attorney, and the Sheriff’s Office to take immediate action:

Pass Melissa’s Law to protect the innocent.

Investigate and prosecute those who commit these crimes.

Demand accountability for those who have already used fake evidence to harm others.

Every day this law does not exist is another day someone else could be falsely accused, arrested, and their life destroyed — just like mine.

Sign this petition to demand justice and protect the innocent before it’s too late.