In the case of a young person who reappeared after two years, the prosecutor said that the arrested man had already been convicted in 2018 for possession of child pornography. The 44-year-old was given a suspended sentence at the time, said Christian Kuhnert, Bochum's chief prosecutor.
The 15-year-old boy was found by accident during a search in Recklinghausen in a 44-year-old's apartment in a closet last Friday. The reason for the search was the search for images of serious child sexual abuse. The authority announced. An arrest warrant was issued against the suspect for a serious sex offense. It was initially unclear whether the boy was already in his apartment at the time of the trial and the verdict against the man.
Missing for two years
According to media information, the 15-year-old is said to be a boy who disappeared from a residential group in neighboring Oer-Erkenschwick two years ago. According to the police, officials discovered the youth in a closet. There he was hiding or was hiding.
"There are currently no indications that the boy was detained in the apartment against his will," said a police spokesman. "There is some evidence that he has been there voluntarily for a long time." The police did not provide any further details about the youth for victim protection reasons. The youth welfare office was involved.
A 77-year-old was also found in the apartment during the search. According to media information, it is said to be the father of the 44-year-old, who also lives there. Both men were temporarily arrested. Technical equipment and data carriers were ensured, an evaluation was immediately initiated. A data carrier dog was also used in the search.
