NEW RIEGEL—The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office arrested Victor Franklin West, 40, of Oregon, Ohio, early Tuesday morning for contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. The incident occurred at approximately 12:25 a.m. on April 25, 2023, when deputies on patrol discovered a parked vehicle in the parking lot of 44 N. Perry Street in the village of New Riegel, Ohio.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy discovered two individuals inside. The operator of the vehicle was identified as Victor Franklin West, and the passenger was a 14-year-old juvenile. Further investigation revealed that the two had met on a social media app and arranged to meet up in the parking lot.
The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office charged West with contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. The juvenile was also charged with delinquency. The Sheriff’s Office detectives are currently investigating the case, and it is an ongoing investigation.
“Due to the nature of the online world, young people can easily place a stronger emotional connection with online-only relationships at the expense of friends and family that they know in real life. Not everyone children meet online will have the right intentions, so it’s important to discuss the risks surrounding online dating such as online grooming and also what signs to look out for to avoid putting themselves in unsafe situations!” Sheriff Stevens said.