A 15-year-old West Virginia girl who told police she was abducted while walking near her home was found in Canfield, Ohio, where an Ohio man was taken into custody. Authorities say the case has turned into an active cross-state investigation as court dates begin to line up.
How Investigators Say the Abduction Unfolded
The investigation kicked off on May 7 after the teen ran into a local grocery store in Canfield and told workers she had been taken against her will. Officers followed up on her report, tracked her movements back to a Canfield residence, and identified a suspect, according to WTRF.
Suspect Arrested in Canfield
According to the police report, the girl ran into the store and reported she had been abducted. Officers later arrested 28-year-old Brian Kimball, who was arraigned on May 12. He faces fifth-degree felony counts that include interference with custody and illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, and a preliminary hearing is set for Friday, June 5, 2026, according to WTRF.
What Police Say They Found
Investigators reported finding deleted messages on Kimball's phone that they say included sexually explicit comments to the girl. Officers also recovered a bag near where the teen was located that contained nicotine vapes, a THC vape, a cigar, sex toys, and clothing.
A man who lived at the Canfield home told police that Kimball met the teen while playing Xbox and agreed to pick her up. He said that once he realized she was a minor, he ordered Kimball to take her back. Kimball denied to investigators that there was any sexual contact with the girl.
Gaming, Grooming and the Wider Problem
Police say the case began with an online meeting, a scenario that child-safety advocates warn is becoming more common as kids spend long hours on gaming platforms and chat apps. Reports of online enticement of minors have risen sharply in recent years, according to the NCMEC, and federal officials note that offenders frequently use gaming systems and messaging applications to reach children, according to the Department of Justice.
Next Steps and Legal Context
Kimball remains in custody while prosecutors prepare the case. The charges he faces are classified as fifth-degree felonies under Ohio law and will be handled in state court. Ohio sentencing guidelines allow a range of penalties for fifth-degree felonies under the state's criminal code, according to the Ohio Revised Code, and the preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 5, 2026.
Authorities in West Virginia and Ohio are asking anyone with information about the case to contact local law enforcement. The investigation remains open, and officials say additional details may be released as the charges move through the courts.
