Quick-Thinking Mom’s Bravery Thwarts Daylight Abduction Attempt Near Westcliffe Elementary
A South Carolina man will spend the next 15 years behind bars after pleading guilty to attempted kidnapping. Robert Daniel Mistretta, 69, was sentenced on July 9, 2025, for the brazen 2023 attack where he tried to snatch a child from her mother’s arms.
Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor Cindy Crick announced the sentence handed down by the Honorable William C. McMaster, III. In addition to the 15-year South Carolina Department of Corrections sentence, Mistretta will also be required to register as a sex offender.
During the plea hearing, Assistant Solicitors Peyton Swancy and William Ray presented evidence detailing the harrowing incident. On the morning of August 16, 2023, Mistretta attempted to kidnap a minor victim who was walking to Westcliffe Elementary School with her mother…