Man accused of kidnapping junior high student after communicating online

SALT LAKE CITY – A man is facing charges after police said he kidnapped a 14-year-old girl from school, gave her marijuana, and was caught with child sex abuse materials.

Anthony Anderson, 31, is facing one count of kidnapping, 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, and one count of child endangerment, according to charging documents filed by the 2nd District Court.

On Wednesday, Jan. 22, Anderson reportedly drove a rental car from Salt Lake County to a 14-year-old’s junior high school in Kaysville after the two had communicated on social media for approximately two weeks.

Without parental consent, Anderson parked in the parking lot of the victim’s seminary building and messaged her to meet him during her lunch break, according to a probable cause statement. Police said Anderson took the victim to a nearby park, where he “showed (the victim) how to smoke marijuana with a bong and then smoked with her.”

Anderson gave the victim a cell phone to continue communication, then took her back to her junior high school, documents state. When the victim’s classmates discovered the situation, police said they reported it to school administrators who notified the victim’s family.

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Police said the victim’s older sister messaged Anderson “pretending to be her younger sister and trying to ascertain the full intent of (Anderson).” He reportedly drove to Layton from Millcreek Wednesday evening to meet with the victim after her sister messaged him. The victim’s sister then contacted police, who said they stopped Anderson once he was in Layton.

Police reported finding marijuana and a bong in Anderson’s vehicle. Police also reported Anderson admitted knowing the victim was 14, and that they had been messaging online. He told police he told the victim he was in his mid-20s, and admitted to picking her up from school, and giving her marijuana and a cellphone for communication, documents state.

Anderson told police he was planning to date the victim when she turned 18, and “said he knew he should not have been developing and continuing a relationship with a 14-year-old girl but he continued to do so because he was lonely,” charging documents state.

Police reportedly obtained a warrant and searched Anderson’s phone where they found a “plethora of child sexual abuse material of a most extreme and graphic nature.” Police said a more extensive search remains ongoing.

Documents state Anderson presented a clear, substantial danger to any young woman with internet access within driving distance. Police also said he demonstrated a “perverse interest in the sexual victimization of children,” and is willing to groom children. Police said Anderson’s interactions with the 14-year-old victim aligned with known grooming patterns, and requested he be held without bail.

Read the full story at KSLTV.com

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