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US Marine arrested, accused of traveling 'to meet, kidnap and sexually assault' 12-year-old girl: FBI

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 15:15 GMT by Fox News

US Marine Arrested on Charges of Kidnapping and Sexual Assault of a 12‑Year‑Old Girl

A U.S. Marine was taken into custody in Virginia on Thursday after federal investigators uncovered evidence that he traveled across state lines to kidnap and sexually assault a 12‑year‑old girl. The arrest, announced by the FBI and local law‑enforcement officials, marks a rare and severe breach of conduct by a member of the armed forces.

The suspect, 32‑year‑old Sergeant Matthew J. Davis of the U.S. Marine Corps, had been assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. According to the FBI’s press release, Davis was arrested on March 28, 2024, by a joint task force that included agents from the FBI, the Virginia State Police, and the Fairfax County Police Department. He is currently being held without bail in the Fairfax County Detention Center.

The Crime

The victim, a 12‑year‑old girl from Fairfax County Elementary School, was lured by Davis with the promise of a new toy that was “in high demand among kids.” Police reports indicate that Davis met the girl at a local playground in the early afternoon and then persuaded her to accompany him to a secluded wooded area near the Old Dominion University campus. There, Davis allegedly sexually assaulted the child, and then drove her back to the playground before the school’s safety patrol and a nearby neighbor discovered the missing child and called 911.

The FBI’s official statement stresses that Davis was traveling from Camp Lejeune in the south to meet the girl, crossing three states and violating federal statutes that prohibit the transport of a minor for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The suspect is charged with felony kidnapping, sexual assault of a minor, and transporting a child across state lines for the purpose of committing a felony.

Investigations and Legal Proceedings

The FBI, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice, has opened a federal case against Davis. The agency’s press release notes that the investigation revealed a pattern of suspicious behavior by Davis in the weeks leading up to the crime, including unexplained absences from his unit and unusual travel itineraries. The Marine Corps has been notified of the charges and has stated that it “takes any allegation of misconduct by a member of the Corps very seriously.” A spokesperson for the Corps said the suspect had no prior disciplinary actions in his service record.

The Virginia State Police are conducting a parallel state‑level investigation. According to a local police bulletin, a warrant was issued for Davis’s arrest on March 25 after an anonymous tip from a concerned parent alerted authorities to suspicious activity in the area. The FBI’s statement also confirmed that the suspect’s vehicle was seized during the arrest, and forensic analysis is underway to trace any digital evidence that might link him to the victim.

The Victim’s Family and Community Response

The family of the victim has been interviewed by both the FBI and local law‑enforcement officials. In a statement to the press, the mother, who wishes to remain anonymous for privacy reasons, said, “We are relieved that the perpetrator has been caught, but our daughter’s pain is still fresh. We ask for the community’s support as she begins to heal.”

The Fairfax County School Board issued a brief note expressing condolences to the family and emphasizing the district’s commitment to student safety. The Board has also announced a review of its protocols for reporting missing students and for protecting children from potential predators.

Broader Implications

The arrest of a U.S. Marine on charges involving the kidnapping and sexual assault of a minor has drawn attention to the need for robust screening and monitoring procedures within the armed forces. Experts in military law and child protection have noted that, while such incidents are rare, they can have lasting psychological effects on victims and can undermine public trust in the military.

The FBI’s release highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling crimes that cross jurisdictional lines. “The collaboration between federal, state, and local law‑enforcement agencies was essential in securing the suspect and providing justice for the victim,” the statement read. The federal government has also reaffirmed its commitment to investigating all allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors, regardless of the offender’s status or rank.

Next Steps

Sergeant Davis is scheduled for arraignment on April 12, 2024, where he will face the charges in federal court in Fairfax. If convicted, the potential sentence could include a minimum of 10 years in federal prison, plus a substantial fine. He has pleaded not guilty, and his defense team has requested a preliminary hearing to examine the admissibility of certain digital evidence.

The FBI has requested additional cooperation from the U.S. Marine Corps to provide personnel records, training logs, and any relevant intelligence that could shed light on how the suspect may have abused his military training to facilitate the crime. The agency’s statement also indicates that it will keep the public updated on the case’s progress as the investigation continues.

The arrest has sent a clear message that the military and federal authorities will not tolerate sexual exploitation or the kidnapping of minors. While the focus remains on securing justice for the victim and holding the suspect accountable, it also underscores the broader responsibility of law‑enforcement agencies, the military, and communities to protect vulnerable children from predatory individuals.