Michigan Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Grooming and Abusing Teen

Grand Rapids, Mich. — A 31-year-old man from Michigan has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after he was convicted of grooming and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl whom he met online. Keith Freerksen, of South Haven, Michigan, was sentenced in a Washington state federal court after pleading guilty to charges of traveling with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor and enticing a minor.

Authorities say Freerksen initially connected with the girl, who was just 13 at the time, in November 2022. Over the course of several months, the two communicated online. In January 2023, Freerksen traveled to Washington to meet the teen in person, convincing her to leave her home and travel with him to Michigan. Once they were on the road, Freerksen sexually assaulted the victim and provided her with alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine, according to court documents.

The girl was reported missing on January 6, 2023, prompting a swift investigation by law enforcement. Authorities eventually traced her communications with Freerksen, leading them to his home in South Haven, Michigan. After his arrest, the victim confirmed the sexual abuse, detailing multiple incidents that occurred during their time together.

Freerksen also has a history of sex crimes. In 2017, he was convicted in Florida on child pornography charges. His criminal record contributed to the severity of the current charges against him.