Man accused of sexually assaulting child brought across state lines in a rideshare

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (WMTV/Gray News) - A Wisconsin man is accused of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 12 after allegedly arranging for a rideshare to bring the victim across state lines.

Sun Prairie Police say 27-year-old Chase Schroeder faces several charges, including first-degree sexual assault of a child under the age of 12, sexual exploitation of a child, use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime, child enticement and possession of child pornography.

Police Chief Kevin Warych said at a Wednesday press conference that the investigation began Sunday after a child under the age of 12 was reported missing from Harvard, Illinois.

Police allege Schroeder contacted the child through social media and arranged for a rideshare to bring the victim to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, a distance of around 80 miles. According to investigators, Schroeder allegedly sexually assaulted the child then arranged for them to be taken back to Illinois using another rideshare.

The victim has since been found safe and reunited with family.

Police arrested Schroeder in a joint operation involving local and federal agencies. He is currently being held on a federal probation warrant.

Warych described the case as deeply disturbing, emphasizing the department’s response.

“The victim in this case is under 12 years old. That’s shocking. In fact, that’s maddening,” Warych said. “When incidents like this happen, we spare no expense. We turn over every stone, and we work relentlessly until we find the person responsible.”

He also stressed that cases like this serve as an important reminder for families to speak with their kids about online safety.

“This is a good opportunity for the Sun Prairie community to have these conversations with their children, to make sure they know what they’re searching online and who they’re communicating with,” he said.

Warych added that supporting the victim remains a priority as the case moves forward.

“This case isn’t over. The victim’s life is not over. As we move forward, it’s important that we take care of the victim,” he said.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review electronic evidence.

Officials said Schroeder was already a registered sex offender, stemming back to a 2019 case out of Texas in which he was convicted of possession of visual depiction of sexual activities by a minor.