Tiverton man sentenced for driving PA teen to RI, enticement of a minor
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Rhode Island man convicted of transporting a 13-year-old girl from Pennsylvania to Tiverton and repeatedly engaging in sexual activity with the victim has been sentenced in federal Court.
William C. Stewart, 22, of Tiverton, will serve 15 years followed by five years of supervised release and must pay the victim and her family $5,000 in restitution.
According to Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom, Stewart pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from the multiple incidents on April 1, 2024:
- Enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity
- Transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity
- Interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct
According to Bloom’s office, Stewart met the 13-year-old victim on the social media app Snapchat.
He learned that she was 13 and persuaded her to engage in unlawful sexual activity with him.
Stewart told authorities that he drove to the girl’s Pennsylvania home late on the night of June 30, 2021 and began to drive back to Tiverton with her.
This was for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with the victim.
Stewart drove through four states on the way back to Rhode Island, and stayed at a New London, Conn. hotel where he engaged in sexual activity with the victim.
He also provided the girl drugs, and upon return to Rhode Island, continued in a sexual relationship with her.
Stewart introduced the victim to his family on July 4, using a fake name and claiming she was 19-years-old.
The victim contacted a friend via the Snapchat app on July 7 asking for help, and Tiverton police identified her location and responded to Stewart’s residence.
