FORT SMITH, Arkansas — Fort Smith police have arrested a man they claim flew a 15-year-old from California to Arkansas after engaging in an online relationship.
According to a release from the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD), officers were contacted by law enforcement officials in California on May 31 in regard to an investigation involving a 15-year-old girl that was engaged in an online relationship with a 49-year-old man.
The man was identified as Sean Robert Schiemann.
Schiemann had allegedly purchased a plane ticket for the teen and flew her to Arkansas.
FSPD, working with the U.S. Marshals, determined that Schiemann had picked the teen up from the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) and took her to Fort Smith, where the two were still believed to be together.
The two were later located at Schiemann's residence. The suspect was interviewed by police and placed under arrest.
FSPD says that "appropriate support and resources" are being provided to the minor, and that her family in California, along with child protective services, have been contacted.
FSPD is still investigating, working to gather evidence and statements, as well as coordinate with officials in California in regard to other potential charges against Schiemann.
According to a release from the Sebastian County Prosecutor's Office, Schiemann has been formally charged with internet stalking of a child, fourth-degree sexual assault, pandering or possessing visual or print medium depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, and sexual solicitation of a minor.
Bond was set at $250,000 and Schiemann is expected in court on June 13.
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