A man from Iowa has been arrested on multiple charges related to the exploitation of a minor after he allegedly traveled to Harbor Springs and transported a child to Illinois.
According to the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, William Joseph Gatchel, II, 24, of Grimes, Iowa has been charged with three counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct – Third Degree (Person 13 through 15) and one count of Children Accosting for Immoral Purposes.
The investigation was initiated when law enforcement was alerted that a minor child had not arrived at school. During the investigation, it was discovered that Gatchel had engaged in extensive online communication with the minor over a prolonged period. According to law enforcement, these interactions ultimately led to Gatchel traveling to Harbor Springs and transporting the minor out of Emmet County…