Man gets federal prison for abuse of 12-year-old girl
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — An Illinois man who authorities say came to Michigan, sexually abused a 12-year-old and then took her back to his home has been sentenced to a federal prison.
Eduardo Torres, 26, of Waukegan, was sentenced to 17.5 years behind bars and five years of supervised release.
Federal authorities say Torres met the girl online and built a relationship with her using Snapchat. Then in April of last year, he drove to Berrien Springs to meet her, sexually assaulted her and recorded it. He then took her back to Waukegan.
He ultimately pleaded guilty in December to sexual exploitation of a child.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Torres got to his victim the same way as many other predators: through the internet.
“The devices that nearly every child and teenager now carry leave kids vulnerable to criminals down the street, across state lines, and around the world,” U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said a Wednesday statement. “I strongly urge parents, guardians, and loved ones to educate their kids about online dangers, stay aware of their social media activities, and create a trusting relationship where kids are willing to share if something goes wrong.”
The FBI has information online about how to protect your children from abuse. To report abuse, call your local police or the FBI at 1.800.CALL.FBI.
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