Ohio Man Accused Of Kidnapping 5-Year-Old, Driving To Illinois

OHIO — An Ohio man has been taken into custody by the FBI and accused of kidnapping a 5-year-old girl.

Jonathan Stinnet, 36, from Massillon, made his first appearance in federal court on Tuesday.

Stinnet and his fiancé were babysitting the 5-year-old girl on Nov. 11. The couple was supposed to take the girl to McDonald's and a local park, the FBI said. They were supposed to drop the girl off with her mother at 7 p.m.

At 7:07 p.m., the 5-year-old's mother sent the couple a text asking where they were and when they would drop the girl off. She then called and texted Stinnet but he did not answer, the FBI said.

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According to the criminal complaint, the couple were shopping at a Goodwill (which did not have public restrooms) when the 5-year-old announced she needed to use the bathroom. Stinnet agreed to take the girl back to McDonald's while his fiancé remained behind. Stinnet did not return, court documents said.

The girl was reported missing at 7:30 p.m.

On Nov. 12, law enforcement in Bloomington, Illinois were asked to investigate a suspicious car. Deputies spotted the vehicle and learned it had been involved in a possible kidnapping, the FBI said.

Inside the car was Stinnet and the 5-year-old girl, the FBI added. Police believed the girl looked frightened.

Stinnet was taken into custody and then interviewed by sheriffs in Illinois. According to the FBI, during his talk with law enforcement, Stinnet said he planned to "run away" with the girl and intended to have sexual relations with her.

The 5-year-old was taken to the hospital to be evaluated after she was recovered by law enforcement.

The FBI said their investigation into the case is continuing and they could not release any further information. Court documents indicate Stinnet has not yet been assigned an attorney.