United States Marine Arrested After Traveling to Meet 14-Year-Old Girl for Sex in Brevard County
By Space Coast Daily // January 27, 2023
suspect identified as Sean Rudziewicz, 22, from Lancaster, California
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – A United States Marine from California, stationed in Louisiana, was arrested by the West Melbourne Police Department on Thursday after traveling to Brevard County to meet a minor for sex.
The suspect was identified as Sean Rudziewicz, 22, from Lancaster, California.
Authorities say Rudziewicz started an online relationship with a 14-year-old girl. The two met using the app Omegle, an app where you can meet strangers online through video chats.
He then used the messaging app Discord and Snapchat to further the relationship, police say.
The investigation has revealed that Rudziewicz flew into Melbourne International Airport on January 16, 2023, to celebrate his birthday and spend time with the juvenile.
The report states that Rudziewicz took her to the movies, the mall, and the beach.
On January 25, the girl’s mother contacted Melbourne Police Department to report the juvenile missing.
The mother was able to go through messages on her phone and determine where she was and who she was with.
When officers arrived at the hotel, Rudziewicz was hiding the juvenile under the bed.
Rudziewicz told investigators on January 21 he brought her to America’s Best Value Inn hotel in West Melbourne, located at 4431 W. New Haven Av.
It was there he had sex with the juvenile on at least one occasion, according to police.
Police arrested Rudziewicz and charged him with Lewd and Lascivious Battery and Felony Interference with Child Custody.
He is being held at the Brevard County Jail on $70,000 Bond.
“Parents, please take this time to speak to your children about the dangers of technology and Social Media. If you allow your children to have devices, make it a point to check their tablets, computers and phones. A nosey parent is a good parent,” said Lt. Graig Erenstoft of the West Melbourne Police Department.
“The West Melbourne Police Department regularly hosts Technology and Social Media classes for parents. If you are interested on more information, please contact CrimePrevention@WestMelbourne.gov.”
