A Florida creep allegedly traveled across state lines to pick up a 16-year-old he wanted to marry before he was caught with the help of a popular video game Wednesday, authorities said.
Thomas Ebersole, 31, was arrested and the missing teenager was found inside his home after investigators found the young victim signed into his “World of Warcraft” account Wednesday at the suspect’s home in the Sunshine State, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said.
Another gaming account belonging to Ebersole was also logged in from the same address, authorities said.
Thomas Ebersole was arrested and charged on Wednesday. Marion County Police Department
The local investigation began earlier that day when the FBI contacted the sheriff’s office about the missing girl, who is from Ohio.
When investigators confronted Ebersole at his Dunnellon home, he initially denied knowing the girl before allegedly admitting he drove to the Buckeye State to bring the victim back to his home where he could hide her with plans to eventually marry her, the sheriff’s office said.
The drive from his home to Ohio would take more than 10 hours one way.
He allegedly claimed he had a romantic relationship with her, even showing authorities texts between the two on the messaging app, authorities said.
Video games help lead to busts. Getty Images
The messages allegedly outlined Ebersole’s plan to meet the victim in Ohio and have sex with her, even though he knew it would lead to criminal charges.
Ebersole is charged with traveling to meet a minor to engage in sexual activity, interfering with child custody and protecting an unmarried minor. He remains in the Marion County jail without bond.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
