Rockford police: Man arrested for sexually abusing minor he met online; suspect faces similar charges in South Carolina | News

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WREX) – Rockford police told 13 WREX on Wednesday that 29-year-old Devin Pafford of Manteno, Ill., was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a minor he allegedly met through social media.

According to a department spokesman, the Winnebago County District Attorney’s Office filed charges and issued an arrest warrant for Pafford, who was taken into custody by police in Channahon, Illinois.

Pafford was arrested during a traffic stop and taken to the Winnebago County Jail.

Pafford’s residence is listed as Manteno, Illinois, which means he traveled more than two hours to commit the alleged crime.

13 Investigates has learned that Pafford was arrested on similar charges in South Carolina, specifically in Kershaw County, in 2022.

At the time of his arrest, Pafford was an active E5 sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps.

According to WJCL-TV, the ABC affiliate station for the Savannah, Georgia, television market, Pafford was arrested as part of an undercover operation.

A report by The Island News said Pafford – who was stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island – traveled to Camden, South Carolina, more than three hours away, with the “intent of engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl.”

When South Carolina police encountered Pafford at the meeting point, he drove away at a high rate of speed, prompting police to launch a chase.

According to WJCL-TV, police had to use stop sticks to disable his vehicle.

Because Pafford is a member of the United State Marine Corps, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service is involved in the South Carolina case.

In the Pafford case in the state of Illinois, he was accused of aggravated sexual assault and child pornography.

Pafford is scheduled to appear in court on August 1.

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