CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Davis County officials charge suspect in Layton Amber Alert

Feb 1, 2023, 1:30 PM | Updated: Feb 2, 2023, 1:51 pm

amber alert...

An Amber Alert was cancelled Dec. 28. The victim was found with 26-year-old Aaron Zeman. (Layton PD)

(Layton PD)

LAYTON, Utah– Prosecutors in Davis County have officially filed charges against a man suspected of kidnapping a 13-year-old boy, which prompted police to send out an Amber Alert in December.

New charging documents allege Aaron Michael Zeman, 26, also known as Tadashi Kojima, had been communicating with the 13-year-old Layton boy as far back as October 1, 2022, nearly 3 months prior to the Amber Alert.

Documents claim Zemen began communicating with the boy on Roblox under the online name Hunter Fox.

Communication continued over Discord, then eventually Twitter and Telegram, where the suspect allegedly sent sexually explicit photos of himself.

Police issued an Amber Alert on December 26 when the boy’s parents reported him missing.

Police located Zemen and the boy at a gas station in Nebraska two days later.

At the gas station, police say they found ” Among other things, passports for both the defendant and (the victim)…and written plans for changing both individuals names, including obtaining new birth certificates,” charging documents said.

Zemen now faces felony charges of child kidnapping, enticing a minor, sexually exploitation of a minor and dealing harmful material to a minor.

Prosecutors asked the court to hold the suspect without bail.

Related reading

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

A white sign reads Mt. Nebo Middle School...

LAUREN STEINBRECHER

Parents frustrated after Mt. Nebo Middle School evacuated after third threat in two weeks

Parents are frustrated after Mt. Nebo Middle School was evacuated for the third time in two weeks.

7 hours ago

Various angles of the Ada County courtroom are shown via livestream during Chad Daybell's murder tr...

Emily Ashcraft, KSL.com

Key testimony so far from witnesses in Chad Daybell trial

The jurors of Chad Daybell in his murder trial have heard testimony from prosecution witnesses over 13 days.

17 hours ago

FILE PHOTO (Weber School District)...

Mary Culbertson, KSLTV.com

Four students at Roy High School taken into custody after allegedly brandishing handgun

Four juvenile students were taken into custody Tuesday after police said a community member reported them flashing gang signs and brandishing a gun near Roy High School.

23 hours ago

Marijuana grows at Tryke Companies Utah's medical cannabis cultivation facility in Tooele, us moves...

ZEKE MILLER, JOSHUA GOODMAN, JIM MUSTIAN and LINDSAY WHITEHURST, Associated Press

US drug control agency will move to reclassify marijuana in a historic shift, AP sources say

The DEA's move to reclassify marijuana would not legalize it outright for recreational use.

1 day ago

Protests University of Utah result in 17 arrested...

Amie Schaeffer

19 arrested at University of Utah during Gaza war protests

Multiple agencies responded to protests over the Gaza war at the University of Utah Monday night resulting in 17 arrested.

1 day ago

Former president Donald Trump fined for violating gag order...

 Kara Scannell, Lauren del Valle, Jeremy Herb and Eric Levenson, CNN

Donald Trump fined $9,000 for violating gag order in hush money case

The judge ruled Trump violated gag order nine times for criticizing expected trial witnesses in posts on social media.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

a doctor putting her hand on the chest of her patient...

Intermountain Health

Intermountain nurse-midwives launch new gynecology access clinic

An access clinic launched by Intermountain nurse-midwives provides women with comprehensive gynecology care.

Young couple hugging while a realtor in a suit hands them keys in a new home...

Utah Association of Realtors

Buying a home this spring? Avoid these 5 costly pitfalls

By avoiding these pitfalls when buying a home this spring, you can ensure your investment will be long-lasting and secure.

a person dressed up as a nordic viking in a dragon boat resembling the bear lake monster...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Legend of the Bear Lake Monster

The Bear Lake monster has captivated people in the region for centuries, with tales that range from the believable to the bizarre.

...

Live Nation Concerts

All the artists coming to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (formerly USANA Amp) this summer

Summer concerts are more than just entertainment; they’re a celebration of life, love, and connection.

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

Davis County officials charge suspect in Layton Amber Alert