A Missouri teen, who was missing for nearly a week, was found at a Minerva home on St. Patrick's Day and a man living there was charged with rape, kidnapping and assault.
Minerva police received information that indicated the 14-year-old girl,-- from West Plains, Missouri-- could be in the area and she was located inside a home on West First Street with 41-year-old Eric Shotwell.
Police said the teen and Shotwell met online through an app called "Say Hi" and chatted for a few months. Shotwell then allegedly drove to Missouri to meet the girl and brought her back to Minerva around March 13.
She was reported missing on March 11.
Alliance City Prosecutor Caity Schneider revealed some of the disturbing allegations during a Friday afternoon court hearing in which Shotwell appeared by video from the Stark County Jail.
"He held her against her will, repeatedly raping her, and injuring her and beating her." Schneider said. "He used stealth to steal her away from her parents."
Schneider requested his bond be increased to $500,000 and Judge Andrew Zumbar agreed. Shotwell's original bond was $51,000.
He did not enter a plea. A hearing was scheduled for March 23.
Minerva Police Chief Robert First said the big break in the case came when the girl sent a text message to her mother Thursday afternoon. The girl didn't know her exact location, but she was able to use social media accounts. Officers traced her location to the home in Minerva.
Maria Belcher lives across the street and told newsnet5.com that she never saw the girl.
"I'm just in shock actually right now, just the fact that I'm outside constantly with my kids and I just don't know what kind of person he is," Belcher said.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and more charges could be filed. The FBI is also investigating.
The girl was examined at Akron Children's Hospital and arrangements are being made to take her back to Missouri.
Minerva Lt. J.T. Williams said the case should serve as a reminder about the potential dangers lurking on social media.
"Keep an eye on your kids. Stress to them the importance of being safe with social media. Watch your kids," Williams said.
