DePreist McGruder (Photo courtesy: Wisconsin Department of Corrections)
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A registered sex offender is back in custody, accused of committing more crimes against a child.
DePreist McGruder, 26, was arrested at his home Monday. He is being held at the Outagamie County Jail on the following recommended charges:
- Repeated first-degree sexual assault of the same child
- Use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime
- Child enticement
- Sending obscene or sexually explicit electronic messages
- Grooming of a child for sexual activity
- Probation violation
McGruder was convicted in 2022 of third-degree sexual assault, court records show.
According to the Appleton Police Department, the new case began when McGruder, who is a registered sex offender due to his previous conviction, met the victim at a public location. He was not known to the victim prior to this encounter. Authorities allege McGruder told the victim he was 17 years old. The victim was under the age of 16.
McGruder continued contact with the victim both in person and through electronic means. Police were notified after the victim suspected McGruder was older than he claimed and attempted to distance themself from him out of fear.
Police said at this time, there is no evidence to suggest any other children in the Appleton area were harmed.
If you have information related to this case, contact Officer Jason Schmitz with the Appleton Police Department at (920) 832-5500.
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