Edward Joseph Rummel was arrested earlier this week after confessing to engaging in sexual relations with a 15-year-old who had been reported as missing from another Florida county. Hollywood Police Spokeswoman Deanna Bettineschi indicated that officers responded to a call on Sunday from someone indicating she had found her at Arthur Street 5000 block and stated the victim had made contact with a local individual; further investigations ensued as this contact pointed towards Rummel as the potential suspect.
Police were shocked to learn that Rummel had engaged in sexual relations with an underage girl whom he mistook as being 20 years old, not realizing she was underage. Following their interview on Monday morning, police arrested Rummel. When interviewed, he admitted engaging in sexual relations without proper legal authorization or knowledge that she was a minor. During questioning by detectives, he admitted engaging in sexual intercourse but claimed he believed she was an adult before realizing she was underage.
Authorities did not immediately release details about the victim and her disappearance. However, investigations continue with Rummel facing charges of sexual assault and statutory rape in connection to her behaviour online and with minors vulnerable to being vulnerable in these situations. Hollywood Police, along with other law enforcement agencies, are working hard to ascertain what led up to the girl going missing as well as why and how she came in contact with Rummel; more details may emerge as they gather more evidence and gather intelligence. Contact us for SERVICES DE SÉCURITÉ COMMERCIALE Today!