A Dallas man faces up to life in federal prison after prosecutors accused him of kidnapping a lost 14-year-old girl, holding her captive for days, drugging her, repeatedly raping her, and threatening to kill her, the Justice Department announced Tuesday.
Federal prosecutors charged David Michael Klepak, 63, with kidnapping a minor in a criminal complaint filed August 27. The complaint alleges that Klepak held the girl captive in Dallas from approximately July 30 through August 2.
Alleged Ride Home Became Days of Captivity
Klepak allegedly approached the girl, who was lost in her neighborhood, and offered to drive her home. Instead, prosecutors said, he drove her to his Dallas residence, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her repeatedly.
The complaint alleges that Klepak yelled at the girl when she refused to take narcotics with him and threatened to kill her at times.
The girl escaped on or about August 2. A family member found her and took her to a police precinct to report what happened. Dallas Police officers arrested Klepak that day, according to federal prosecutors.
Investigators identified Klepak after the girl provided descriptions of his luxury vehicles, distinctive jewelry, and other details, according to the affidavit.
Klepak previously faced a state charge of sexual assault of a child following his arrest, as The Dallas Express reported on August 5. A Dallas County jail record listed a total bond of $300,000 as of August 18.
Federal Charge Carries Potential Life Sentence
“The conduct described in this complaint is brutal and predatory,” U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said. “As alleged, the defendant, a 63-year-old man, kidnapped, drugged and raped the victim, a teenage girl. The defendant will have his day in court but let this be a warning to would be predators on the streets: we will find you and lock you up for as long as possible under the law.”
“Protecting children from predators is among HSI’s highest priorities,” HSI Dallas Deputy Special Agent in Charge Antwoine Jones said. “These allegations describe a horrific crime against a vulnerable minor, and HSI will continue working alongside the Dallas Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure those who exploit and endanger children are identified, investigated and brought before the justice system.”
Klepak faces up to life in federal prison if convicted. Homeland Security Investigations is leading the federal investigation with assistance from the Dallas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Claire Demers and Brandie Wade of the Violent Crimes Section are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint contains allegations and does not constitute evidence. Klepak is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Provided by Dallas Express
