WAPAKONETA — A Canadian man is in custody after allegedly expressing intent to have sex with underage girls in Auglaize County.
The Cleveland office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported Daniel Jason Wnek, 27, of Toronto, was taken into custody Nov. 16 in Disney World in Orlando for charges involving coercion and enticement and transfer of obscene material to minors.
According to FBI Special Agent Vicki Anderson, on Nov. 3 the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office notified the Lima FBI office of an allegation that an adult male was attempting to set up a meeting with a juvenile for the purpose of committing a sex act. The adult male was ultimately identified as Wnek, who law enforcement officials said also used the name “Justin Yates” in some of his online conversations.
According to the FBI, Wnek initially portrayed himself as a 14-year-old as he interacted with what he believed to be a 14-year-old female. The underage female was actually an 11-year-old. According to the FBI, numerous sexually graphic conversations occurred between Wnek and the underage female via two different online platforms. Wnek acknowledged during the conversations his intent to have sex with the underage female and potentially with her friends as well.
FBI officials offered thanks to the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office “for initiating this investigation and for the ongoing assistance provided.” Sheriff Al Solomon deferred all comment on the case to the FBI.
Wnek is awaiting extradition to Ohio to face the charges in the Northern District of Ohio at a later date, Anderson said.
Investigators are asking the public to contact law enforcement if they had any interaction with Daniel Jason Wnek or Justin Yates (jyates_) on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook or in person. People with information should contact the FBI at 419-221-5605 or the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office at 419-739-6565.
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