Milwaukee man charged with sexual assault of Illinois teen after chatting on Discord

CBS 58

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A $100,000 cash bond is now set for a Milwaukee man accused of child sex crimes who was shot by Milwaukee police officers.

Emilio Arner-Ortiz, 19, had his first court date on Monday, appearing virtually from his hospital bed.

Arner-Ortiz is charged with several felonies, including second-degree sexual assault of a child, child enticement, and child abduction.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Arner-Ortiz had been in contact with a 13-year-old boy from a southern Chicago suburb. Police found they were communicating through the online platform Discord.

The boy was reported missing on Nov. 7, 2024, when his father found the boy wasn’t home and located a conversation his son was having with Arner-Ortiz.

From what authorities found in their conversations, they believe Arner-Ortiz picked the boy up early that morning and brought him back to his home in Milwaukee to engage in sexual acts.

The boy was found later that day by Milwaukee police at a restaurant near Arner-Ortiz's home.

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Commissioner Andrea Bolender called the case “extremely disturbing” before setting Arner-Ortiz's bond.

“The amount of harm that has occurred to so many people in this case due to your own desire is just egregious," said Commissioner Bolender.

The criminal complaint also describes the shooting during Arner-Ortiz's arrest.

Police say his mother answered the door, and they entered the home. Officers say Arner-Ortiz pulled out an unloaded gun in the kitchen, pointed it towards them, and stated, “suicide by cop.”

The complaint states one officer struggled for control of the gun with the suspect, then pulled out his own weapon and shot Arner-Ortiz.

The violent interaction was another factor in Commissioner Bolender’s cash bond decision.

“To put [the officers] in a position where you want them to take your life because you’re not willing to face these charges destroys their life. All of this while your mother was present,” said Commissioner Bolender. "Quite frankly, I'm surprised the state is only recommending $100,000."

Arner-Ortiz is ordered not to have contact with the victim or his family, or anyone under the age of 18 unless they’re a relative. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 22. If convicted of all charges, he faces a 126-year prison sentence.

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