FAYETTEVILLE -- A federal court jury convicted a Chicago man of abducting a teen and taking her to Bentonville for sex.
David S. Duffin, 44, was found guilty on one count of knowingly transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent to engage in sexual activity.
"This defendant used the Internet to target a child, abducted her, and sexually abused her while traveling through several states. This conduct is frightening, and today he has been held accountable," U.S. Attorney Conner Eldridge said.
On April 4, a 13-year-old girl was reported missing from her home in Chicago. Police there determined the girl was with Duffin, who had driven her from her home to a motel in Bentonville, according to prosecutors.
On April 9, Benton County Sheriffs' Office deputies found Duffin and the girl. Duffin admitted meeting the minor by pretending to be a teen boy online, then engaging in sexual intercourse with the girl in Chicago and after bringing her to Arkansas.
Duffin was indicted by a federal grand jury June 3.
Sentencing will be held at a later date. Duffin faces 10 years to life in prison and fines of up to $250,000, or both.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Benton County Sheriff's Office and the Chicago Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyra Jenner and Dustin Roberts prosecuted the case.
NW News on 08/20/2015