A 30-Year-Old Man Who Lured Runaway Teenagers Sentenced to Probation

A 30-year-old man who lured a runaway teenager he met through social media to Jeonju and spent time with her at a lodging facility has been sentenced to probation by the court.

According to the legal community on the 5th, Judge Ki Hee-kwang of the Jeonju District Court's Criminal Division 3 sentenced Mr. A (32) to 6 months in prison, suspended for 1 year, for violating the Protection and Support of Missing Children Act. In addition, he was ordered to undergo probation and complete 40 hours of community service.

The court stated, "Considering the legislative intent of the Missing Children Act and the circumstances and content of the crime, the defendant's responsibility cannot be viewed lightly." However, the court explained the reason for the suspended sentence by stating, "The lodging taking place was not against the wishes of the missing child, Ms. B, and the sentencing is under the condition that he faithfully fulfills the probation and community service."

Mr. A became acquainted with Ms. B (17) through Facebook last January and began a relationship.

He then lured Ms. B, who had run away from Busan, by saying, "Come to Jeonju to see your brother," and after spending a day at a lodging facility in Jeonju, he was charged with unlawfully protecting Ms. B.

The investigation revealed that Mr. A was aware that Ms. B was in a state of runaway, yet he engaged in this behavior.

Furthermore, it was confirmed that Mr. A also faced charges for violating the Missing Children Act for transferring his account to another person.

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