Update Feb 28, 2021: Everett District Court judge increased the bail amount for Anthony Weber from $1,000 to $100,000 inclusive of both charges. Weber is currently in the Snohomish County Jail.
Lynnwood, Wash., February 27th, 2021 – Today, Lynnwood Police detectives with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation were able to identity and locate a 32-year-old man suspected of arranging to meet and then drive a 12-year-old Lynnwood girl to a residence in Kitsap County.
The 12-year old girl — whom we are no longer naming because she is a victim and a minor — had been reported missing the previous morning, Thursday, February 25th, 2021, under suspicious circumstances. With additional assistance from the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office the suspect was taken into custody and the child was recovered safely.
Lynnwood detectives booked the suspect into the Snohomish County Jail but the investigation is ongoing.
According to the Snohomish County Jail roster, an Anthony Vernon Weber was booked early morning Saturday and is charged with Harboring of a Minor and Child Molestation 2 which is Class B felony. A class B felony conviction can result in a prison term of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to $20,000.
Weber’s court date is scheduled for 1 p.m. tomorrow, February 28 at Everett District Court.
The victim was last seen in the Meadowdale area on Thursday and detectives learned she was using an online dating site to communicate with adult males. A blue or green, 2003 or 2005 Chevy Cavalier was seen outside the young girl’s home at the time her family last communicated with her.
Lynnwood Police reported Friday evening that the victim was rescued and is in safe condition.
The Lynnwood Police department is requesting parents to have a conversation about online safety. There are numerous resources available to both parents and children, including through the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI:
- https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/protecting-kids-online
- https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/protecting-your-kids
Author: Mario Lotmore
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