A Michigan man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for traveling with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor and enticing a minor, as announced by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Keith Daniel Freerksen, 31, from South Haven, Michigan, was arrested on January 31, 2024, following an investigation that spanned from Washington to Michigan.
U.S. District Judge Tana Lin highlighted the trauma experienced by the victim and their family during the sentencing hearing. The family endured a month-long search for their child, fearing the worst outcome. Judge Lin remarked that the victim "will continue to suffer trauma and pain."
U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman stated, "What happened in this case is every parent’s nightmare – a predator comes into the home via social media and computer screens and manipulates your child to run away." She further noted that instead of engaging in typical teenage activities, the victim was manipulated by Freerksen.
The case records indicate that the 14-year-old disappeared on January 5, 2024. A local police detective sought assistance from the FBI, leading to involvement from an agent specializing in Violent Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking investigations across several counties.
By analyzing Uber ride data purchased for the victim by an unknown individual, law enforcement identified Freerksen as a suspect due to his status as a registered sex offender in Michigan. Authorities tracked his movements using license plate readers across multiple states after identifying his vehicle.
Following a search warrant executed by South Haven Township police at the FBI's request, Freerksen was apprehended along with recovering the victim. He was subsequently transported to Western Washington and detained at SeaTac's Federal Detention Center.
Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson emphasized concerns about Freerksen's behavior in her letter requesting a 20-year sentence: “It is very alarming that neither of Freerksen’s family members intervened when he returned home with the then fourteen-year-old victim in tow.” She noted his previous conviction for sex offenses did not deter him from reoffending.
The victim’s parents expressed gratitude towards law enforcement for rescuing their child. The mother stated, “I never imagined a predator would travel across the country to steal (my child).”
Freerksen's federal sentence will run concurrently with an indeterminate state sentence of fifteen-to-seventy years in Michigan. Post-release supervision will last twenty years during which he must register again as a sex offender.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including Mount Vernon Police Department; FBI Seattle; Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office; and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson is prosecuting this case.