The Portage County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a 21-year-old male with whom a missing Mantua 14-year-old said she had engaged in a sexual relationship.
In a Facebook post Sunday, the sheriff’s office said the male, “who lives in another county in Ohio,” was interviewed at his residence. In the post, the sheriff’s office said the male “provided both a verbal and written confession.”
Neither the suspect’s name or his town of residence have been released. The sheriff’s office statement also did not list whether the man was in the county jail or when he might be expected to appear in court.
The sheriff’s office’s post said deputies responded Saturday morning to a Mantua residence after a report that the teen was missing. While deputies and detectives were on scene, the juvenile returned home and was interviewed by detectives. During the course of the interview, the girl disclosed that she had been involved in a sexual relationship with a 21-year-old man she met online.
Detectives were able to identify the suspect. Portage County detectives coordinated with local prosecutors, along with law enforcement and judicial officials in the jurisdiction where the incidents occurred. A search warrant was executed at the suspect’s residence. During the search, investigators recovered evidence from the suspect’s room, including electronic devices. The suspect was later interviewed and reportedly provided both a verbal and written confession to authorities.
“This case is a reminder of the dangers that exist online, especially for our youth,” Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski stated in the social media post. “I want to commend our detectives and partner agencies for their swift and thorough work. We will continue to pursue those who exploit children and hold them fully accountable. The safety of our children will always remain our top priority.”
Additional charges are expected, pending the results of ongoing forensic analysis in both jurisdictions, the statement said.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Male admits sex with Mantua teen, Portage sheriff says
Reporting by April Helms, Akron Beacon Journal / Record-Courier
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