ROCK ISLAND, IL – Andrew Stone, 32, of Rocky River, Ohio, stands accused of a horrific crime: trafficking a minor across state lines for sexual exploitation. The U.S. Secret Service, alongside a coalition of state and local law enforcement, brought the charges after a months-long investigation revealed a calculated scheme to prey on a vulnerable young girl.
According to court documents, Stone allegedly used the online application “Whisper” to connect with the minor in December 2016. He then traveled from Ohio to Illinois, picked her up, and drove her across state lines to a hotel in Le Claire, Iowa. There, authorities allege, he engaged in sexual acts with the girl, some of which were recorded on his cell phone. The indictment details that Stone intentionally transported the minor with the express purpose of committing criminal sexual activity, a violation of both federal and state laws.
Stone was initially arrested in Ohio on July 28, 2017, following the unsealing of a federal criminal complaint filed in the Central District of Illinois. He made his initial court appearance in the Northern District of Ohio on July 31st, where a judge ordered him detained by the U.S. Marshals Service pending transport to Illinois. A grand jury returned its indictment on August 22, solidifying the charges against him. He appeared in federal court in Rock Island today, with a trial date set for October 30, 2017.
The investigation, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Secret Service, the Illinois State Police, the Moline Police Department, and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, uncovered evidence supporting the disturbing allegations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith DeCarlo is prosecuting the case, determined to bring Stone to justice. The Secret Service is urging anyone with information about this case or the defendant to come forward, with a dedicated hotline established at 217-726-8453.
If convicted on the charge of transporting a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, Stone faces a minimum sentence of ten years, with the potential for life in prison. The charge of sexual exploitation of a minor carries a minimum prison term of 15 to 30 years. These are severe penalties reflecting the gravity of the crimes alleged. Authorities emphasize that an indictment is not proof of guilt, and Stone is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the pervasive threat of child sex trafficking and the importance of vigilance. The U.S. Secret Service, while often associated with protecting national leaders, also plays a critical role in investigating financial crimes that enable these horrific acts. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments as they unfold, holding those who prey on the innocent accountable for their actions.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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