Wilmington Child Abductor From Ohio Faces More Charges: Police

WILMINGTON, IL — Federal criminal charges have been added to the charges in Will County for a 22-year-old Ohio man arrested in September 2019 in connection with the abduction of a 13-year-old girl from Wilmington. Andrew Boltz of Kenton, Ohio, drove to Wilmington where he lured the girl into his car, driving several hours with her until the Ohio State Police were able to stop Boltz's vehicle and arrest him, according to police.

The 13-year-old Wilmington girl was safely returned to the area in September 2019 and Boltz was charged with child abduction here in Will County.

On Tuesday, the Wilmington Police Department issued a statement on Facebook informing people of additional charges against Boltz.

In January, Wilmington Police Detective Samantha Sullivan took over the child abduction case and she began working with the FBI for the follow-up investigation.

"Through that investigation it was determined that Boltz had victimized at least two other minors since the time of his arrest," Wilmington police announced Tuesday.

On Dec. 1, federal prosecutors charged Boltz with sexual exploitation of a child, a crime that carries a minimum 15-year prison sentence, Wilmington police said.

"In addition to the federal charge, Boltz's Will County case for child abduction remains in progress and he is also facing charges in Huron County, Ohio for unlawful sexual contact with a minor and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles and illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, with additional charges still pending," police stated.

Boltz has remained in the Will County Jail since Aug. 12, 2020.

By Tuesday evening, several people offered their comments on the Wilmington Police Department Facebook page. Here's a sampling of their reactions:

• "Great Job you did Keep these sick people out of are Town and all these young kids safe."
• "Great work by Detective Sullivan she’s the best, smartest, most hardworking person at that department!!!!!"
• "Excellent work getting this child predator off the street & keeping him off."
• "Thank you to all agencies and departments involved with all of the hard work it took to get this accomplished."
• Great job Wilmington police Department."

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