Illinois man, Andrew W. Szech, was arrested for coaxing a 15-year-old Kannapolis girl to take a bus to Chicago so he could sexually abuse her at his home. The United States Marshals Office, acting on a tip, rescued the girl and arrested Szech at his home in Green Oaks, Illinois. Szech had been communicating with the victim online since June and encouraged her to take the bus from North Carolina to Chicago. The victim is now in a safe environment and receiving care. Erin Moody from the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center emphasized the importance of open conversations with children to protect them from online predators. Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg expressed gratitude that the child is safe and emphasized the commitment to rescuing children from trafficking and abuse. Szech faces numerous charges including criminal sexual abuse, possession of drugs with intent to deliver, possession of firearms, and additional charges are expected. The Kannapolis Police Department, in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Office, successfully located the missing juvenile and will be returning her to Kannapolis. Homeland Security was also involved in the investigation. Sheriff Idleburg emphasized the severity of exploiting vulnerable children and expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the rescue and prosecution of Szech.
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