Man Arrested For Allegedly Kidnapping Camdenton Teen He Met Online

CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. — Authorities say a 19-year-old Camdenton woman was kidnapped by a man she met online. He sexually assaulted her, the teen claims, before taking her home.

Now 35-year-old Michael Eric Dickson, of Jefferson City, has been arrested for the alleged crime. The victim alleges she met Dickson on a dating website and they agreed to meet in person. He came to her home north of Camdenton, she says, and she got into the car with him.

According to the Camden County Sheriff’s Department report, the victim asked where they were going and Dickson told her, “You belong to me now.” The teen says he drove the car to his home in Jefferson City where he sexually assaulted her, before returning her to her home. She then contacted the sheriff’s office, authorities say.

The Camden County Sheriff’s Department says a week-long investigation led to Dickson’s arrest. He is charged with Kidnapping, a Class B Felony, and will appear before Camden County court on May 10. He is being held at the Camden County Adult Detention Center.

An investigation into the alleged sexual assault is being conducted in cooperation with Cole County authorities.

Camden County Sheriff Dwight Franklin said the situation was a sobering reminder that online dating can be risky. “I encourage all citizens to do their research on dating prospects they meet online before meeting them in person,” he said.

Sergeant Scott Hines added, “The internet can be a great way to meet people from outside your immediate area, but it can also be used to find out more about those people. Do a background check at any number of background websites, check their Facebook and Twitter accounts for any red flags. Take your time and do some research and if you get a bad feeling, don’t meet that person.”