A Florida scoundrel allegedly traveled across state lines to pick up a 16-year-old boy he wanted to marry before being arrested Wednesday with the help of a popular video game, authorities said.
Thomas Ebersole, 31, was taken into custody and the missing teen was found inside her home after investigators discovered the young victim logged into her World of Warcraft account Wednesday at the suspect’s home in the Sunshine State, he said. Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Another gaming account belonging to Ebersole was also logged into from the same address, authorities said.
Thomas Ebersole was arrested and charged Wednesday. Marion County Police Department
The local investigation began that same day when the FBI contacted the sheriff’s office about the missing girl, who was from Ohio.
When investigators confronted Ebersole at his Dunnellon home, he at first denied knowing the girl before allegedly admitting that he drove to the Buckeye State to take the victim back to his home, where he could hide her with plans to marry her. she eventually, the sheriff’s office said. .
The trip from his home to Ohio would be more than 10 hours one way.
He allegedly claimed he was in a romantic relationship with her and even showed authorities text messages between the two on a messaging app, authorities said.
A video game contributed to the raid. fake images
The messages allegedly described Ebersole’s plans to meet the victim in Ohio and have sex with her, even though he knew it would lead to criminal charges.
Ebersole was charged with traveling to meet a minor to engage in sexual activity, interfering with child custody and harboring an unmarried minor. He remains in the Marion County Jail without bond.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn