Tiverton man admits to transporting minor to engage in sexual activity

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — According to U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha, a Tiverton man admitted to a federal judge that he enticed a 13-year-old girl to travel with him from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island.

William Stewart, 22, pleaded guilty to charges of enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, transportation of a Minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

During the travels, Stewart engaged in criminal sexual activity with the minor, U.S. Attorney Cunha shared.

Stewart admitted that on June 17, 2021, he met the minor on SnapChat and continued to pursue an unlawful and sexual relationship with her, knowing that she was 13-years-old.

Stewart confirmed that in the middle of the night on June 30, he picked the girl up from her home in Pennsylvania, and drove her to Tiverton, RI for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with her.

According to court documents, Stewart drove through several states where he engaged in sexual activity with the minor and continued the crimes in Rhode Island.

Upon arrival to Stewart’s family residence in Tiverton on July 4, the perpetrator introduced the minor victim to his family.

According to information presented to the court, Stewart used a false name for the victim and lied to his family members about her age, stating that she was turning 19-years-old.

On July 7, the child contacted a friend via SnapChat asking for help.

Soon after, the Tiverton Police identified the minor victim’s location and responded to Stewart’s home.

Stewart is scheduled to be arraigned on June 18, 2024.