Delaware Man Gets Prison Time For Coercing, Kidnapping Wayne 11-Year-Old

WAYNE, NJ — A Delaware man has been sentenced after coercing, grooming, kidnapping, and sexually exploiting an 11-year-old Wayne girl, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

Darius Matylewich, 29, of Bear, Delaware, was sentenced to 20 years last week after pleading guilty in December to several charges relating to the exploitation of the 11-year-old victim.

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In September 2023, Wayne Police responded to a report of a missing 11-year-old girl. An investigation led authorities to Bear, Delaware, where the girl was found in Matylewich’s home. Officials said that Matylewich had picked up the victim and driven her back to his Delaware home “without the knowledge or consent of her parents.”

Matylewich was arrested, and the victim was safely recovered, according to officials.

A further investigation revealed that Matylewich had been communicating with the victim over online chats and video game platforms. According to court documents, Matylewich was coercing the victim to record images and videos of herself performing sexual acts, and “in turn, produce child pornography for him,” officials said.

Authorities added that Matylewich had “covertly” recorded conversations, images, and videos of the victim without her knowledge. These videos and images were stored on Matylewich’s phone in a folder that could only be accessed with his facial recognition, officials said.

Investigators also found evidence on Matylewich’s phone showing that he was watching and following the 11-year-old victim near her Wayne residence.

Matylewich received 240 months, or 20 years, for coercion and enticement of a minor. As part of a plea agreement, charges relating to child porn were dropped, according to court documents.

“Nothing can erase the harm Matylewich inflicted on an innocent child. With this lengthy sentence, he is being held accountable for his appalling abuse,” said FBI Baltimore Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski in a press release. “Stopping predators like Matylewich from harming children remains a top priority of the FBI and our partners. Let this sentence be a warning to others seeking to take advantage of kids through online video games or social media, you will pay for your crimes.”