A Gwinett County, Georgia, man who allegedly transported a 14-year-old girl to Georgia from another state faces charges relating to sex crimes and other violations. The man, 23, and the girl became acquainted via Facebook. Police said the girl told the man she was 17 years old; he claims she said she was 20.

According to reports, the man drove his pickup truck from his home in Norcross to her residence in Hope, Arkansas, to meet the girl. She had given the man her address and asked him to take her away from home, reports said. She left with him and they stayed a night in a hotel in Arkansas before arriving at the man's apartment the following day. Police say he admitted to having sex with her.

The man ended up in jail, facing a variety of charges, including an immigration violation, interference with the custody of a minor and two counts of statutory rape.

After the teen's disappearance, her mother called authorities. After police began their search for her, the girl contacted her mother from her cellphone. The girl told her mother she was in Georgia at the man's apartment and wanted to leave, according to police. The mother informed local authorities, who notified officials in Gwinnett County. When police officers reached the apartment, they saw the girl, who said she wanted to speak privately with them. In their conversation, she reportedly told police she had voluntarily gone with the man, but wanted to return to Arkansas.

She was released to the custody of a family member.

The consequences for conviction on these charges could be serious and stick with the man long after he finishes a prison term. Being labeled a sexual offender can drastically hinder someone's ability to get a job or move into a neighborhood. It's important that he has an attorney who can ensure his legal rights are respected.

Source: Hope Star, "Charges filed in Ga. incident, man drove to Hope to meet with juvenile," Ken McLemore, Dec. 29, 2011