An Illinois convicted sex offender is facing multiple felonies for allegedly grooming a missing Massachusetts child discovered in his home last week.
According to Boston 25 Now, Weston Opas, 42, was arraigned Tuesday on charges that include traveling to meet a minor, grooming, firearm possession by a felon with body armor, and failure to register as a sex offender.
Cook County detectives were tipped by Boston investigators about a missing child linked to Opas, leading them to Opas’ home in Glenview, in the 10300 block of Michael Todd Terrace, on October 26.
“Detectives learned that Opas made initial contact with the victim last year through an online gaming app and continued his contact via text messaging,” the sheriff’s office said. “During this time, Opas traveled to the Boston area numerous times to meet with the victim and engage in sexual acts.”
Investigators confirmed that phone evidence showed that the defendant knew the child was underage. CBS News reports that the victim is a 16-year-old girl.
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Police said that the victim had been living with Opas. Court records indicate that the defendant was convicted in Florida in 2004 for possessing child pornography.
The child was placed with social services temporarily. Relatives from Chicago are scheduled to pick her up and take custody.
Meanwhile, Opas remains behind bars without bail at the Cook County jail. He’s scheduled for a November 7 court hearing.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Weston Opas/Cook County Sheriff’s Office]
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