Man, 29, allegedly starts GoFundMe to meet 14-year-old ‘fiancée’ in Montana

A 29-year-old Indiana man was arrested Monday for reportedly using GoFundMe to meet a 14-year-old girl in Montana.

The Missoulian reported that William Eugene White Jr. of Montezuma, Indiana, is accused of starting an online crowdfunding campaign in efforts to meet his underage “fiancée.” A representative from GoFundMe told KGVO that the campaign was immediately removed, White received no donations, and that his account was banned.

Despite failing to raise money, Deputy Missoula County Attorney Mark Handelman told a judge Wednesday that the pair did meet up at some point and had sexual relations.

Police got involved after the 14-year-old’s parents reported her running away. At one point, the girl’s uncle threatened White to stay off the property, court records revealed.

The local paper also reported that officers ultimately located the victim and White at a local homeless shelter with several bags in their possession.

During an interview, White allegedly told investigators that he was aware of the girl’s age when he planned his trip from Indiana to Montana. The age of consent in Montana is 16.

Court papers stated that the 14-year-old admitted to spending the night together after she ran away. Authorities suspect the 29-year-old arrived in Montana on August 7, court records also indicated.

White was charged with felony sexual abuse of a child. He was also ordered not to have contact with the teen girl and or anyone else under 18.

The Indiana man is being held on $25,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 6.

[Featured Image: Missoula County Sheriff’s Department]