For the letters that did not have any way to contact whoever sent them, I get why SG and her family made public pleas to ask for proof of life and to please get in touch with them.
Other than that, I think the media talking about them is creating major risk issues. Monitoring the account and reporting live if there is activity in it is a risk. Especially if it was first a smaller amount to test whether it worked or if LE can get anything from it. They bring every expert on to their news shows who cheerfully and loudly proclaim, "Oh yea, it definitely can be traceable." Sir. LE is trying to CATCH an active kidnapper with a still missing victim. If it is in fact traceable, maybe keep that to yourself and let the adductor try to move money so LE can... catch them.
If a kidnapper thinks their pay day isn't going to work out (and I have no idea how legit these letters even are), then you run the risk that they drop the plan, cause harm, and peace out over the border. This real time reporting is awful.
Also, there is no need to report on whether the family paid a ransom or not or if there is activity in the account. Pretty sure the abductor will see there is money and try to get a pay day. There is real risk involved in advertising how much a ransom was and if it was paid because it rewards horrific crime and may encourage other criminals that this is a good business. If the family opts to pay, great, I completely get it, but details do not need to be confirmed or advertised.
If Nancy is found and LATER someone wants to do a story and talk about what the ransom notes said or more details, okay, but I don't think any media people should be compromising an investigation. Also LE seems like such a mess with no clear line of who is in charge, I don't even trust the media people are being advised on how much they can actually say or not. Harvey wouldn't report the amount that the "activity" in the wallet showed, but yet a local news station did. There is absolutely no game plan.
www.tmz.com
