by Missing Juvenile Investigation Leads to Arrest and Search for Suspects
Authorities in Dover, Tennessee are conducting an investigation into a missing juvenile, which has resulted in the arrest of one person and the search for two other suspects. The Stewart County Sheriff’s Office believes that the minor was raped before being found.
One of the suspects, Devin Gideon, has been accused of statutory rape. According to the sheriff’s office, Gideon met the minor through Snapchat and arranged a meeting with two other adults. Investigators believe that Gideon and the two other adults traveled from Texas to meet the minor and took the child to a motel. Drugs and alcohol were found inside the motel room.
After the alleged rape, the three suspects left the victim and the motel. Fortunately, a deputy was patrolling the area and took note of the car’s tag number. It was later discovered that the car was registered to Gideon. Authorities also interviewed the victim and searched motel registration records, which led to Gideon being identified as a suspect.
Gideon was arrested in Texas and is currently awaiting extradition back to Stewart County. He is facing charges of aggravated statutory rape, criminal responsibility, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The other suspects, a man and a woman, are still at large. Warrants have been issued for one of the suspects, while authorities are working to identify the third suspect.
Sheriff Frankie Gray has expressed concern over this being the second case in recent months of someone from Texas driving to meet a minor in Stewart County. He urges parents to have a serious conversation with their children about social media safety.
In light of this incident, it is important for parents to take steps to protect their children. For a full list of ways to ensure your child’s safety online, you can visit the website provided.
The investigation into this case is ongoing, and authorities are determined to bring all those involved to justice. It is crucial that communities work together to prevent such heinous crimes and ensure the safety of our children.
