Trucker Now Faces Federal Charges In Girl's Alleged KidnapPOSTED: 12:11 pm EST December 18,
2006 WEST NEWTON, Pa. -- A California man accused of kidnapping a 15-year-old girl and bringing her to Westmoreland County last month is now facing federal charges.County prosecutors withdrew local charges against Joseph Simon on Monday, saying federal authorities have jurisdiction in the case that crossed state lines.The alleged victim told police that she escaped from Simon's truck and ran inside a restaurant for help during a stop on Interstate 70 in Smithton on Nov. 18.Family members say the teen went willingly with Simon."All I know is my nephew is a loving father to his own teen daughters," Simon's aunt, Vinnie Smith, said Monday in court. "He's very concerned about them, and they are very concerned about him, and they are waiting for him to return home."Simon, of Los Angeles, remains in custody locally. It has yet to be decided whether he will be extradited to California or face a federal judge in Pittsburgh. Related Links: More Westmoreland County NewsGet RSS | E-Mail Alerts Copyright 2006 by ThePittsburghChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |
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