Marine charged with kidnapping a 12-year-old girl with intent to sexually assault her.
An active-duty Marine from the United States has been charged with kidnapping a 12-year-old girl from northwestern Indiana, with intentions of sexual assault, according to a statement from the FBI. The accused, William Richard Roy, who is stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, allegedly traveled to Chicago on October 24. During this trip, he reportedly met the victim at a park in Hammond, Indiana. The two then took an Uber to a nearby hotel where they spent the night, before continuing their journey by boarding a Greyhound bus to Durham, North Carolina, the following morning.
The FBI initiated its investigation on October 25, coinciding with the report of the girl’s disappearance by her grandmother. Prompt action by law enforcement led to Roy’s arrest on the evening of October 26, shortly after the Greyhound bus arrived in Durham, where the girl was found and safely recovered.
Roy has been charged with three offenses related to the incident. These charges include enticing a minor to travel for illicit sexual activity, transporting a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, and interstate travel with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor. Each of these charges carries serious legal implications and highlights the gravity of the situation.
The case has drawn significant attention, emphasizing the ongoing concerns over the safety of minors and the potential for exploitation. As law enforcement continues its investigation, further details are expected to emerge, but for now, the safe recovery of the girl stands as a pivotal outcome amid these troubling circumstances.
The case underscores the challenges that authorities face in combating child exploitation and emphasizes the importance of vigilance among parents and guardians. As this investigation unfolds, the legal proceedings against Roy will likely attract ongoing coverage, as the community seeks justice and clarity surrounding this alarming incident. The FBI has urged anyone with additional information to come forward, reinforcing the imperative for collective action in safeguarding the well-being of children. The investigation remains active as authorities work to address the complexities of such offenses, which continue to pose a significant threat to vulnerable youth in society.
