Up to 30 Years in Prison: Abuse Trial for Viennese Man in Florida Planned

The 25-year-old Austrian, who has been in custody in Florida since May 2024 after having sex with an American teenager, will have to face trial there next year. This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to an APA inquiry. "The evidence process is not yet complete," said the spokesperson. Therefore, an exact date is not available, it was stated. According to APA information, the man has been charged with several counts since at least October 2024.

Charged with Several Counts

He is accused of abuse or rape of a person under 16, as well as kidnapping or interfering with the custody of a minor. The American authorities set the further course of the proceedings in the summer during a so-called "docket sounding" (a type of consultation of all parties involved in the trial).

"The embassy is in regular contact with the affected person and the legal representation," said the spokesperson for the ministry. She did not provide details from the indictment for "privacy reasons."

Incarcerated in US Prison for 1.5 Years

The 24-year-old was arrested on April 28 of last year in Cocoa Beach after meeting the then 15-year-old teenager there and spending the night in a hotel. Since May 1, the young Viennese has been incarcerated in Brevard County Jail - a prison complex with an average of 1,600 inmates - in Cocoa.

Viennese Denies Allegations

The Viennese IT technician met the girl while playing online computer games, fell in love, and decided to visit the teenager in Florida after chatting for several months. After his arrest, he stated regarding the allegations against him that consensual sex had occurred, with the teenager having presented herself to him as a 19-year-old, as reported by the "Kronen Zeitung" at the time.

The offenses that the Viennese, described by his family as introverted and shy, are accused of by the US authorities might be classified differently under Austrian criminal law. However, the law enforcement authorities in Florida assume several completed crimes. Under US law, the IT technician faces up to 30 years in prison.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.