Video After The Jump
Too much free time and loneliness leads a lot of kids to the internet in search of friends. Unfortunately, some of the people they encounter online are depraved individuals.
The mother of a 14-year old Iredell County, North Carolina girl found out the hard way that her daughter became involved with a sexual predator.
27-year old Jarred Workman gained the teen's trust after talking with her online for a month. They eventually met in person and the young girl invited Workman to stay in her home without her parent's knowledge.
Workman would either hide in the girl's closet or room during the day and come out when she came home from school. At night he repeatedly had sex with her.
This went on over a 5-day period from April 27 to May 2, until the teen's mom found Workman in the closet while putting some of her daughter's clothes away.
"I was sorta shocked more than anything," the mom told WSOC. "I asked him who he was and he said Jarred Workman and he was 19."
Workman fled the home, leaving behind his wallet and cell phone.
Workman was arrested on Monday, May 19. He's been charged with 11 counts of statutory rape and five counts of statutory sex offense. If convicted he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
"Parents really need to delve into their child's social media. And they need to become tech savvy, and if they're not, find somebody who is. And protect their children," Detective Bill Hamby told WCCB.
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