Monk Charged with Attempting to Abduct Girl in Antioch

A Benedictine monk from Wisconsin was arrested in Antioch Friday and charged with felony attempted child abduction and misdemeanor disorderly conduct for trying to lure a 14-year-old girl into his vehicle, reported the Daily Herald.

Thomas J. Chmura, 57, who lived at St. Benedict's Abbey in Benet Lake, Wis., is in jail on $50,000 bond.

Chmura reportedly told police he had been offering teenage girls rides for the past six weeks, according to the Lake County News-Sun.

The girl Chmura attempted to lure into his vehicle last Thursday night gave the police his description and a local bulletin was issued. On Friday afternoon, an off-duty Antioch police officer saw the vehicle pull alongside three females walking on the sidewalk and was able to follow it to the Wisconsin state line before losing sight of it, reported local media.

Chmura was arrested several hours later when he returned to the area and police recognized his vehicle.

Last Wednesday, a Lake Villa man was arrested for attempting to abduct four little girls in Beach Park, reported Patch.

Read more on Patch:

Third Graders Run From Stranger Offering Rides

Lake County Man Tries to Abduct Four Girls