Fresno Man Nabbed in NY: Enticed 14-Year-Old

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Loren Glen Warner, 27, of Fresno, California, is facing serious federal charges after allegedly preying on a 14-year-old girl he met in rural New York. Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced Warner’s arrest today, detailing a disturbing pattern of online grooming and ultimately, sexual assault.

According to the criminal complaint, Warner first encountered the victim at her family’s church in Cattaraugus County in early January 2017. He quickly established contact through Facebook and Snapchat, and, knowing the victim’s age, began sending sexually suggestive messages and explicit images. The communication escalated, with Warner allegedly soliciting and receiving nude photographs from the girl. The investigation paints a clear picture of calculated manipulation.

The alleged abuse culminated in the early morning hours of January 23, 2017, when Warner drove to the victim’s residence. The girl willingly entered his vehicle, and the complaint alleges they engaged in sexual intercourse. The crime was brought to light when the victim’s legal guardian awoke to find the girl returning home and Warner’s car at the end of the driveway. Later that day, the victim disclosed the horrific details of the encounter.

This isn’t Warner’s first brush with the law in this case. He previously pleaded guilty to Rape in the Second Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in Cattaraugus County Court on March 27, 2017, and is scheduled for sentencing on those charges June 12, 2017. Despite the state-level conviction, federal prosecutors are now pursuing charges that carry a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, along with a $250,000 fine.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, led by Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Steven Nigrelli; and the Cattaraugus County District Attorney’s Office, led by Lori Rieman. The quick response of the New York State Police, prompted by the guardian’s report, was crucial to initiating the investigation.

Warner made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr., and is currently being held. It’s vital to remember that an indictment is not a finding of guilt, and Warner is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten is prosecuting the case. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.

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