According to an FBI affidavit in the case, Zobel admitted to agents that he had engaged in online sexual dialogue with one of the girls, who he believed to be 16, since November 2008. He also admitted driving to Xenia, picking up that girl and a friend who wanted to run away, and driving them to Toledo.
FBI special agent Michael Brooks said Zobel has denied sexually assaulting the girls but agents found sexually explicit pictures of the girls on a camera when they searched Zobel’s home.
According to the affidavit, Zobel told agents they had seen the only camera in the house, only to have his wife direct agents to another camera which held the photos of the girls.
The criminal complaint alleges that Zobel drove the girls only to Toledo because he feared transporting two underage girls across state lines. But the girls told Toledo police that once there, Zobel drove to a parking garage, locked the doors of his car and refused to open them until the girls performed sexual acts.
Zobel will have an initial appearance in Michigan before a U.S. Magistrate, who will determine bond and whether Zobel will be extradited to Ohio. If convicted, Zobel could face up to 30 years in prison.
Read more about this case: Police use technology to arrest sex assault suspect
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2278 or jkelley@daytondailynews.com.
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