New Mexico Man Sentenced for Kidnapping, ‘Sexually Exploiting’ 12-Year-Old Girl
Share this @internewscast.com

A New Mexico man has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for kidnapping and sexually exploiting a 12-year-old girl in Ohio nearly two years ago.

Joseph Gunter, 41, admitted guilt in a federal court in February to charges of child sexual exploitation and transporting a minor with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, as reported by WKBN.

According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, Gunter connected with the young girl on Twitter and exchanged messages with her for several months before he traveled 1,600 miles from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Ohio to abduct her.

At one point, the girl deleted the app he had used to communicate with her, but when she created a new account, he quickly found her.

On September 21, 2023, the girl was walking in her neighborhood when Gunter pulled up “beside her and threatened her with a gun if she didn’t get into his vehicle,” according to a release from the acting US Attorney.

“He then transported the minor victim out of state with the intention of engaging in sexual activity with her,” the release said. “On the drive back to his home in New Mexico, they stayed in several hotels where he proceeded to physically assault and repeatedly rape her.”

The girl was reported missing later that day, and investigators soon identified the suspect as Gunter. License plate readers in Gray County, Texas, spotted his vehicle, and officers conducted a traffic stop, finding the victim and two firearms in the vehicle, WJW said.

He was arrested and extradited to Ohio, where he ultimately pleaded guilty to exploitation and transportation but not kidnapping, rape, or gun charges.

Still, U.S. District Judge Charles E. Fleming sentenced him to 28 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release after his term is complete, the US Attorney’s Office said. He was also ordered to pay $5,000 restitution to the amy, vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Assistance Act and $10,000 to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Texas Duo Stirs Controversy by Emptying Apartment While Child Attends School

A 12-year-old boy from Texas returned home from school last Friday only…

Mother Charged After Child Tragically Dies in 107-Degree Parked Car

Inset left to right: Ariel Osbey and Imani Osbey (Alcovy Judicial Circuit…

Husband Allegedly Struck and Killed by Wife After Leaving Home

Inset: Alina Gonzalez-Morelos (Pasadena Police Department). Background: The sidewalk near where Gonzalez-Morelos…

Tragic Discovery: Texas Parents Arrested After Special Needs Son’s Remains Unearthed in Backyard

A couple from Texas is facing charges following the discovery of their…

Pardoned January 6th Participant Allegedly Threatens Jeffries: Legal Drama Unfolds

Left: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters on day…

Mother and Partner Detained Following Discovery of Unresponsive Child: Police Report

Background: West Allis police officers investigate after a child is found unresponsive…

Tragic Discovery: Body of Missing Miss USA Hopeful Kada Scott Found, Investigation Probes Potential Accomplice

The remains of Kada Scott have been discovered in a wooded area…

Georgia Couple Faces Charges of Child Cruelty After Three Young Children Discovered Unattended at Campsite

In a troubling incident in Carroll County, Georgia, authorities have charged a…

Suspected Wife Killer’s Escape Attempt Ends in Frustration

Inset left: Brandon Ashley (Grimes County Sheriff”s Office). Inset right: Chelsea Spillers…

Shocking Assault: Man Uses E-Bike Battery in Violent Attack on Woman, Police Report

Share In a shocking incident in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a man…

Investigator Reveals Suspect in Chilling Case of Teen Found in D4vd’s Tesla

A private investigator handling the mysterious case of Celeste Rivas has taken…

Mother Finds Closure 27 Years Later: Confession Brings Justice for Slain Teen

The mother of a teenage boy who tragically lost his life during…