Skip to main content
Press Release

Canadian man arrested in Orlando, Florida, after attempting to meet Ohio child for sex

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio

A Toronto resident was arrested in Orlando, Florida, this morning based on federal charges filed in the Northern District of Ohio for coercion and enticement, and transfer of obscene material to minors. 

 

Daniel Jason Wnek, 27, was placed in custody without incident by law enforcement this morning.

 

On November 3, 2017, FBI Cleveland Division, Lima Resident Agency, was notified by Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office of an allegation of an adult male attempting to set up a meeting with a juvenile for the purpose of committing a sex act with the juvenile.  The adult male was ultimately identified as Daniel Wnek.

 

Wnek initially portrayed himself as a fellow teen, describing himself as a 14-year-old as he interacted with what he believed to be a 14-year-old female.  The underage female was actually an 11-year-old female.  Numerous sexually graphic conversations occurred between Wnek and the underage female via two different platforms online.  Wnek acknowledged during the conversations his intent to have sex with the underage female, and potentially her friends.  

 

Wnek entered the United States with his destination being Orlando, Florida on November 13, 2017.   FBI agents from the FBI Lima Resident Agency traveled to Orlando, Florida, and assisted in executing the arrest of Wnek this morning, Thursday, at approximately 8 a.m. at an area hotel.  Wnek will have an initial appearance in United States Middle District of Florida court.

 

This investigation was a collaborative effort with special thanks to the following agencies:  FBI, Tampa Division; United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Ohio and Middle District of Florida; Toronto Police Service and the United States Customs and Border Protection. 

 

A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Contact

Mike Tobin
216.622.3651
michael.tobin@usdoj.gov

Updated November 16, 2017

Topic
Project Safe Childhood