FBI Investigation into U.S. Marine

Introduction to the Case

An active-duty U.S. Marine has been arrested after police say he traveled from North Carolina to Indiana to kidnap and sexually assault a 12-year-old girl from Lake County.
William Richard Roy was arrested Sunday in Durham, North Carolina, after being tracked down by FBI officials. The 24-year-old’s listed address is Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Charges Against the U.S. Marine

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the active duty Marine now faces the following federal charges:

• Enticement of a Minor to Travel for Illicit Sexual Activity
• Transportation of a Minor to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activity
• Interstate Travel with Intent to Engage in a Sexual Act with a Minor

Investigation Details

The investigation into Roy reportedly began on Saturday when the FBI’s field office in Merrillville received information from local police. A tip from the Hammond Police Department said that a missing 12-year-old girl was believed to be traveling with Roy. According to police, the missing girl’s grandmother had reported her missing earlier in the day.

Travel and Arrest

With the help of U.S. Marshals, it was determined that Roy had allegedly flown from North Carolina to Chicago on Oct. 24. The next day, investigators say he took an Uber to Hammond and met up with the child at a park. Roy and the victim then allegedly took the Uber back to a Chicago hotel and stayed overnight before later getting on a Greyhound bus bound for Durham. When the bus arrived in Durham on Oct. 26, agents from the FBI’s Greensboro office and local police officers took Roy into custody and "safely recovered" the 12-year-old.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into Roy remains active between the FBI’s Indianapolis, Charlotte and Chicago offices. The FBI thanked the Hammond Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance. Due to this being a federal case, Roy’s mugshot/booking photo has not been made publicly available.

Conclusion

The arrest of William Richard Roy highlights the importance of interagency cooperation in combating crimes against children. The swift action taken by the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and local police departments ensured the safe recovery of the 12-year-old victim and brought the alleged perpetrator to justice.

FAQs

• Q: What are the charges against William Richard Roy?
  A: Roy faces federal charges including Enticement of a Minor to Travel for Illicit Sexual Activity, Transportation of a Minor to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activity, and Interstate Travel with Intent to Engage in a Sexual Act with a Minor.
• Q: How was Roy arrested?
  A: Roy was arrested in Durham, North Carolina, after being tracked down by FBI officials with the help of U.S. Marshals and local police.
• Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
  A: The investigation into Roy remains active between the FBI’s Indianapolis, Charlotte, and Chicago offices.