Dover airman case highlights online grooming as Delaware prepares trafficking summit

Federal complaint does not charge human trafficking, but advocates say the allegations illustrate grooming tactics and vulnerabilities that can precede exploitation. By George D. Rotsch, Editor of Delaware LIVE DOVER, Del. — Federal charges against a Dover Air Force Base airman accused of using Snapchat to communicate with a 15-year-old girl before transporting her from Pennsylvania to Delaware are drawing renewed attention to online grooming, child exploitation and the warning signs of human trafficking. Dylan Williams, 27, is charged with coercion and enticement, transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, according to a federal criminal complaint filed Aug. 28 in U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. Investigators allege Williams began communicating with the teenager through Snapchat in June, knew she was 15 and later drove from Delaware to Pennsylvania to pick her up. Authorities found the girl at Williams’ Camden-area residence Aug. 20 after her parents reported her missing, according to the complaint. The FBI alleges Williams admitted picking up the girl and bringing her to Delaware. Court records also describe alleged sexual encounters in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Williams is an active-duty airman stationed at Dover
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