NEW LONDON -- A Colorado man is facing several charges after police said he traveled to New London to meet up with a 13-year-old girl he met online and sexually assaulted her.
Police said Smith met the girl on the app "kik" and had been in contact for around three weeks before arranging to meet in person.
New London Deputy Chief Peter Reichard said, "During interviews with Mr. Smith, we found he came from Colorado by a bus, and ended up in the New London bus station after about a five day journey across country."
Police say he went to the victim's Preston home in a cab, and they returned to the bus station intending to go back to Colorado together. When they missed their bus, they booked a room at the Holiday Inn.
Police said Smith and the girl engaged in sexual contact.
Smith is charged with sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor.
"Police obtained search warrants for the telephone, and all Internet communication between the two. That aspect of the investigation is ongoing," said Dep. Chief Reichard.
Anyone who has information concerning this incident is encouraged to contact the New London Police Department's Detective Division at 860-447-1481 or anonymous information can be submitted via the New London Tips 411 system.