Police: 24-year-old man used apps to meet, groom and then sexually assault a 12-year-old girl

WAUKESHA (WITI) -- Detectives with the Waukesha Police Department arrested a 24-year-old man on Tuesday, October 28th after they learned he allegedly communicated with, met and sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl who lives in Waukesha on more than one occasion.

Authorities say the suspect used social media smartphone apps to communicate with the victim. The apps used were: Tinder, KiK, text messaging, Whisper and Snapchat.

Waukesha police say the suspect “groomed” the victim and sent nude pictures to her through these apps.

It is believed that the suspect may have “groomed” and sexually assaulted other young girls in the Milwaukee/Waukesha area.

Ethan Holt walked into a Waukesha County courtroom on Thursday, October 30th, facing three felony charges including two counts of sexual assault, and one count of using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime.

The 24-year-old Muskego man is accused of having sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old girl twice during the past two months.

"This is a very scary subject for a lot of parents," said Waukesha Police Sergeant, Jerry Habanek.

Habanek says the girl and her parents contacted police Monday night, telling investigators that she and Holt had sex in his vehicle near the Waukesha Public Library after initially meeting online.

Prosecutors say the girl's photos showed her without clothing, and Holt's pictures displayed his genitals.

The document also indicates Holt asked the girl about being bisexual, and about having a threesome with one of her friends.

"Ethan Holt used the username, or profile named called 'probablyinthegym' to communicate with our victim. He also indicates in some of his chats with other people that he has done this before, that he has had sex with young victims before," said Habanek.

Sergeant Habanek says the girl told Holt that she was 13 years old and the complaint alleges he took to the internet to brag about "taking a 13-year-olds." It is believed that he was referring to the girl's virginity.

"The girl appeared that she was groomed to think that this was okay," said Habanek.

Sergeant Habanek encourages anyone who may be aware of such activity to contact police.

Meanwhile, Holt's bail has been set at $25,000. He is scheduled to return to court on Monday.