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Man pleads guilty to engaging in online relationship with teen, flying her to Arkansas

FSPD, working with the U.S. Marshals, determined that Schiemann had picked the teen up from the XNA and took her to Fort Smith, where the two were still together.

FORT SMITH, Arkansas — A man arrested by Fort Smith police earlier this year has pleaded guilty to flying a 15-year-old from California to Arkansas after engaging in an online relationship.

A release from the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) said officers were contacted by officials in California on May 31 in regard to an investigation involving the girl, who was engaged in an online relationship with 49-year-old Sean Robert Schiemann.

Schiemann had allegedly purchased a plane ticket for the teen and flew her to Arkansas. Law enforcement officers determined he picked the teen up from the Northwest Arkansas National Airport and took her to Fort Smith.

The two were later located at Schiemann's residence. 

Schiemann was 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.

Schiemann was originally scheduled to go to trial on Nov. 12. However, on Oct. 23, he pleaded guilty as charged to all counts and was sentenced to 20 years in prison with a 20-year suspended sentence. 

Additionally, Schiemann had to register as a sex offender and has been ordered not to contact the victim or the victim's family.

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