Police: Aurora man used smartphone to meet Naperville teen for sex

A 25-year-old Aurora man has been charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse, indecent solicitation of a child and grooming after he communicated with a 15-year-old Naperville girl via smartphone applications and met her for sex, authorities said Friday.

Anthony Molina, of the 800 block of 5th Avenue, was taken into custody Thursday after a monthlong investigation, Naperville police said.

He was charged with the felony offenses Friday in Will County, according to court records. The grooming charge accuses Molina of using the Internet to seduce a minor into having sex.

Police said "sexual conduct occurred" between Molina and the 15-year-old girl in a parking lot at Route 59 and 95th Street in Naperville when the two met for the second time. The meetings occurred after Molina had "several inappropriate texting conversations" with the 15-year-old girl on cellphone messaging apps, including Kik and Whiplr, while using the screen name Michael Leotta, police said.

Molina was interviewed and taken into custody Thursday at his job in Oswego and police said they also searched his home in Aurora.

The investigation into Molina began when the 15-year-old's mother looked into her daughter's cellphone activity and discovered what Naperville police called "alarming solicitations."

The department's High Technology Crimes Unit, led by Detective Rich Wistocki, investigated the case that led to Molina. The unit is asking anyone who has information about Anthony Molina or the screen name Michael Leotta to contact investigators at (630) 305-5384.

Parents also are invited to learn how to keep their kids safe from sexual predators using smartphone apps during a free workshop called "Smart Parenting Doesn't Stop Here" led by Wistocki. The workshop, which parents and kids between fourth and ninth grade are invited to attend together, begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Naperville municipal center, 400 S. Eagle St.