BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A United States Marine was arrested Thursday after traveling to Brevard County to meet a minor for sex, according to the West Melbourne Police Department.
The suspect was identified as Sean Rudziewicz, 22, from Lancaster, California.
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According to authorities, Rudziewicz started an online relationship with a 14-year-old girl. The two met using the app Omegle, an app that allows strangers to meet online through video chats.
Police said Redziewicz also used the messaging app Discord and Snapchat to further the relationship with the girl.
According to a news release, Rudziewicz flew into the Melbourne International Airport on Jan. 16 to celebrate his birthday and spend time with the girl.
Police said he took her to the movies, the mall and the beach during his stay in Florida.
Authorities said the victim’s mother contacted Melbourne Police Department on Wednesday to report her daughter missing.
Police said the mother was able to go through messages on her phone and determine where she was and who she was with.
According to WMPD, officers found Rudziewicz and the girl at an America’s Best Value Inn hotel in West Melbourne, where he had sex with the girl on at least one occasion.
Police said upon arrival, they found Rudziewicz, who was hiding the teen under a bed.
Rudziewicz is facing charges of lewd and lascivious battery and felony interference with child custody.
He is being held at the Brevard County Jail on $70,000 bond.