A 15-year-old girl from Kannapolis, North Carolina, was rescued by local detectives in Green Oaks, Illinois, after being lured by a 43-year-old man, Andrew W. Szech, who was arrested and charged with multiple felonies including criminal sexual abuse. Szech had been communicating with the victim online since June and persuaded her to take a bus to Chicago where he sexually abused her at his home. The girl had been missing since February and was found safe following an investigation by the United States Marshals Office. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office commended the collaborative effort that led to the girl’s rescue and emphasized the importance of protecting children from online solicitation. Erin Moody from the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center warned that predators often use flattery and gifts to groom children online. The Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude that the victim is safe and receiving the necessary support to heal from the traumatic experience. Szech remains in custody with a search of his home revealing drugs, weapons, and other illegal items. He faces numerous charges, including criminal sexual abuse and possession of illegal substances with intent to deliver. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including Homeland Security, and highlights the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and trafficking. The Kannapolis Police confirmed that the juvenile will be returning to North Carolina.
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