Here’s a press release from the Huntley Police Department about what sounds like a Huntley High School freshman girl who was lured through the internet to run off with an almost 19-year old boy from Florida.
Charges Filed in Juvenile Run Away Case
On August 3, 2010 the Huntley Police Department began an investigation into an incident involving a 14 year female who was reported to have run away from home.
Ervin Betancourt
Information was obtained through police interviews that suggested the juvenile was in the company of 18 year old Ervin Betancourt, whom she had met on the internet. The two had been corresponding via the internet for approximately 4 months.
During this time the two decided that Mr. Betancourt would come to the female’s Huntley home for a visit. Witnesses told police that Betancourt then traveled from Florida to Huntley to meet with the 14 year old female.
At some point a decision was made by Betancourt and the 14 year old female to leave together to travel back to Florida where Betancourt is from.
During the investigation detectives obtained information indicating that the couple was traveling back to Florida via bus and they were possibly in Dalton located in Whitfield County Georgia. Detectives notified the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff’s Deputies checked the bus stops in that area.
They were able to locate the 14 year old female and Mr. Betancourt on a bus at a bus stop in Dalton.
Both were taken into temporary custody and transported to Whitfield County Sheriff’s headquarters. Subsequent interviews with the 14 year old victim led to charges being filed against Mr. Betancourt.
It is being alleged that Mr. Betancourt engaged in sexual relations with the 14 year old female. It is also being alleged by police that Mr. Betancourt used the internet to seduce, solicit, lure or entice a child under the age of 18 years old to commit or engage in an unlawful sexual conduct.
On August 5, 2010 Mr. Betancourt was charged with:
- Grooming 720 Act 5 Section 11-25 Class 4 Felony
- Criminal Sexual Abuse 720 Act 5 Section 12-15(c) Class A Misdemeanor
Arrest warrants were issued with a total bond of $15,000.
Mr. Betancourt was made aware of the charges and the warrants against him while still in custody in Georgia. Mr. Betancourt waived extradition through the Georgia courts.
On Tuesday August 10, 2010 Huntley Police Detectives traveled to Dalton, Georgia where Mr. Betancourt was still in custody and served Mr. Betancourt with the warrants.
Detectives then transported Mr. Betancourt back to Huntley Police Department where he was processed on the charges and transferred to McHenry County Jail.
Mr. Betancourt’s bond was set at $15,000. His next court date is set for August 31, 2010 at 9:00am.
The 14 year old female was released to the custody of her parents.
Suspect Information:
Ervin A. Betancourt DOB 08/22/1991 age 18
6868 SW 21st Street
Miramar, FL 33023
The police department reminds people that charges against Mr. Betancourt are not proof of guilt. A defendant charged is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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“Grooming involves using the Internet to seduce, solicit, lure or entice a child under the age of 18 to commit or engage in an unlawful sexual conduct,” explains Huntley Police Chief John Perkins.