MANITOWOC COUNTY (NBC 26) — An Ohio man was arrested in Manitowoc County after being found with a 12-year-old girl who authorities say he met online.
A news release from the Manitowoc County Sheriff said 22-year-old Mathew Dice was arrested Saturday. He's from Uniontown, Ohio.
Deputies responded to a residence in the township of Eaton early Saturday morning for a trespassing call. The homeowner told authorities he saw a pick-up truck in his driveway and that it was stuck in the snow. The Sheriff's news release said a passenger fled from the truck when the homeowner approached.
When deputies arrived, the Sheriff's news release said the driver was identified as Dice, and the passenger was identified as a 12-year-old girl from Manitowoc County.
The news release states the two had met online and Dice had picked up the girl with the intention to bring her back to Ohio with him.
Dice was arrested on charges of child abduction, child enticement, and trespassing. He was taken to Manitowoc County Jail but was released on $5,000 cash bail after a bond hearing Monday afternoon. Per the conditions of his release, Dice is not allowed to use social media, contact the victim or contact anyone under the age of 18.
Dice's initial court appearance is scheduled for March 8.
Authorities are reminding parents and guardians to talk to your children about internet safety.
