20-Year-Old Arrested for Abducting 12-Year-Old Girl

Gaston, South Carolina – A 20-year-old man, Hector Leonel Lopez-Nunez, has been arrested by local law enforcement in connection with the alleged abduction and sexual misconduct involving a 12-year-old girl from Chicago. Lopez-Nunez, who resides in Gaston, is now facing several criminal charges that have raised concerns about internet safety and child welfare.

Lexington County authorities reported that Lopez-Nunez was apprehended shortly after the Chicago Police Department alerted them about the girl’s whereabouts on May 11. The police investigation led them to the 200 block of Stagecoach Road in Gaston, South Carolina, where the child was located and taken into emergency protective custody.

Lopez-Nunez is charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, which pertains to allegations of inappropriate touching of the girl while in his truck parked in the area. Additionally, he faces charges for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and misrepresenting his identity to law enforcement, as he provided deputies with an inaccurate date for his date of birth during the arrest.

The case began when Lopez-Nunez allegedly traveled from South Carolina to Chicago to meet the girl, whom he had met online. Reports indicate that he promised to take her to meet her father in another state. Following their meeting, he returned to Gaston with the girl, prompting the intervention of law enforcement upon notification from the Chicago Police Department.

Recovery of the Victim

Upon the girl’s recovery, detectives were actively searching for Lopez-Nunez. He was taken into custody shortly after authorities found the girl. The reports highlight the seriousness of the situation, with child safety advocates emphasizing the urgent need for parents to monitor their children’s internet interactions.

Charges and Legal Actions

Lopez-Nunez is currently being held in the Lexington County Detention Center, where he awaits further legal proceedings regarding the charges against him. The ongoing investigation is also prompting authorities to gather more information on the case to ensure the safety of other children who may be at risk.

Community Response and Awareness

Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon has underscored the importance of parental vigilance concerning children’s online activities. The case serves as a troubling reminder of potential dangers that can arise from online interactions, especially involving minors. Authorities are urging parents to engage in open conversations with their children regarding internet safety and to maintain awareness of their online interactions.

The incident has drawn attention not only because of the alleged criminal actions of Lopez-Nunez but also due to the broader implications for child safety in the digital age. As investigations continue, community members are left reflecting on the measures that can be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.