News Summary
Hector Leonel Lopez-Nunez, a 20-year-old from Gaston, SC, was arrested for traveling over 800 miles to meet a 12-year-old girl he met online. He faces multiple charges including criminal sexual conduct and providing false information to law enforcement. The minor was placed in emergency protective custody. Authorities stress the need for parental supervision of children’s online activities amid growing concerns about online predators. Lopez-Nunez is being held without bond as investigations continue, highlighting the vulnerabilities minors face in the digital age.
Gaston, SC – Man Arrested for Traveling to Pick Up Minor
A 20-year-old man from Gaston, South Carolina, Hector Leonel Lopez-Nunez, has been taken into custody after allegedly traveling over 800 miles from South Carolina to Chicago, Illinois, to meet a 12-year-old girl he encountered online. He faces serious charges including criminal sexual conduct with a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and providing false information to law enforcement.
The incident came to light when the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation on May 11, following an alert from the Chicago Police Department. Authorities were able to locate the minor at a residence on the 200 block of Stagecoach Road in Gaston, where she was taken into emergency protective custody. Lopez-Nunez was apprehended shortly thereafter by deputies after allegedly being found in connection with the girl.
During the course of the investigation, Lopez-Nunez is accused of inappropriate behavior towards the girl in his vehicle. He reportedly misled deputies about his date of birth at the time of his arrest, which has raised further concerns regarding his actions.
Authorities are stressing the importance of parental supervision of children’s online activities amid this case. Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon pointed out that monitoring children’s digital interactions is crucial in safeguarding them from potential predators like Lopez-Nunez.
Lopez-Nunez is currently being held at the Lexington County Detention Center without bond. The charges against him reflect significant legal repercussions and highlight the necessity for vigilance in the digital age.
This incident is part of a larger issue surrounding online safety for minors. As access to the internet grows, the risks associated with predators exploiting young individuals online have raised alarms among law enforcement and community leaders. Parents and guardians are encouraged to engage in open discussions with their children regarding internet safety and the potential dangers of interacting with strangers online.
The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement officials continue to assess the situation. They have urged anyone with additional information related to Lopez-Nunez or similar incidents to come forward.
In conclusion, the arrest of Hector Leonel Lopez-Nunez serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities facing minors in today’s digital landscape. It underscores the critical role that community awareness and parental involvement play in protecting children from online exploitation.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Lexington County Man Accused of Picking Up 12-Year-Old Girl
- Wikipedia: Online Safety
- The State: Traffic News
- Google Search: Online Predators
- WLTX: Fatal Crash in Lexington County
- Google Scholar: Internet Safety for Minors
- WIS TV: Man Charged in Domestic Violence Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Protection
- WIS TV: Coroner IDs 2 Killed in Lexington County Crash
- Google News: Lexington County Crime
