BRYAN PROTHO, Kidnapping, Illinois 2017
A chilling and disturbing crime shook the quiet streets of Calumet City in December 2017, as 10-year-old child was kidnapped by BRYAN PROTHO, 42, of East Chicago, Ind., on Dec. 20, 2017. The young victim was walking home from school when Protho grabbed her, forcibly dragging her into a sport-utility vehicle and driving away.
Protho then parked the vehicle in a nearby alley, where he assaulted the child and threatened to kill her. Miraculously, the victim managed to escape and flag down a passing vehicle, alerting law enforcement to the crime.
A jury convicted Protho of one count of kidnapping in a federal court in Chicago last year. During the two-week trial, the victim bravely testified about her ordeal, identifying Protho as her abductor.
On [Jun 13, 2024], U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood sentenced Protho to 38 years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of court-supervised release. This harsh sentence reflects the severity of the crime and the lasting impact it has had on the young victim.
The investigation into the kidnapping was led by the Calumet City Police Department, with assistance from the Chicago FBI Field Office and the Lansing Police Department. The joint effort ultimately brought Protho to justice and ensured that he would face the full consequences of his actions.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher V. Parente and Kelly Guzman argued in the government's sentencing memorandum that Protho is 'the worst kind of predator – a child predator.' They emphasized the devastating effect of Protho's actions on the young victim, who was simply walking home from school with dreams of the upcoming Christmas break.
With this sentencing, Protho will spend decades behind bars, unable to harm another child. The community can rest a little easier knowing that justice has been served, and the young victim can finally begin to heal and move forward from this traumatic experience.
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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