JOPLIN, Mo. - A missing Joplin 14-year-old is found with a suspect in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The Joplin Police Department shared a press release about the arrest today.
According to the Joplin Police Department, on Feb. 1, the FBI arrested Christopher D. Bruey for traveling with a minor across state lines for criminal sexual activity.
On January 27, 2023, the parents of a 14-year-old Joplin girl reported her missing to police. According to court documents, they last saw her at home the night before.
Joplin police began investigating, and found a social media account with messages between the 14-year-old and a male. The messages discussed the man picking her up and getting married. Authorities later identified the man as Bruey, from Fort Myers, Florida.
On January 28, the Knox County Sheriff's Office and the FBI-Knoxville Office got an Endangered Missing Juvenile alert with Bruey's information.
FBI Task Force Officer John Sharp found that Bruey's license plate had several license plate reader hits in the East Knoxville, Tennessee area on January 27 and 28.
That evening, they went to a Value Inn motel where they located him. They saw him exit the hotel and walk towards his truck. They arrested him then, according to court documents.
Authorities then went to the hotel room and found the girl.
"The 14-year-old female was located safe and has since been reunited with family members," stated the Joplin Police Department.
Suspect and Charges
Authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Christopher D. Bruey of Fort Myers.
According to court documents, he allegedly admitted to driving to Joplin, Missouri and meeting with the 14-year-old in a Wendy's parking lot. He also admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse in Missouri before getting to Tennessee. Authorities say Bruey then invoked his rights and questioning was stopped.
On February 1st the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee announced that Bruey had been arrested on charges of transporting a minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity.
You can find the court document below, or click here.
Dangers of Online Chats
The Joplin Police Department, after announcing the arrest, also posted a reminder to parents and their children.
"The Joplin Police Department wants to remind parents and children about the possible dangers associated with juveniles engaging in conversations or online communication with adults. While being connected to friends and family online can offer some benefits, online chats or engagement through social media can expose children and teenagers to potential dangers, such as predators, online bullying, scams, malware, and other harmful actions."
