24-year-old Viennese Marc D. has been in an American prison since April: he is accused of sex with a minor and kidnapping. The suspect is now facing charges in Florida. Meanwhile, his mother continues to fight for his release.
The son of the 51-year-old deli worker has been in a Florida prison for months. The allegations are serious. He allegedly abused and even kidnapped a girl who was supposedly only 15 years old. Confused accusations, at least for the introverted IT technician’s family and friends. The 24-year-old has now been charged; in the worst case, the Viennese could face a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
Verena D. fights for her son
The incredible story: “Marc met the girl and fell in love while playing an online computer game. They texted each other for months and she led him to believe she was already 19 years old. And then he just followed his heart and wanted to meet the love of his life in Orlando. Yes, they had sex too. But no, he certainly didn’t kidnap or abuse her. He didn’t even know she was still underage. He is not like that at all,” Wiener’s mother, who was imprisoned in Florida, told the “Krone” in June.
The explosive case brings back memories of an Upper Austrian from almost six years ago, with astonishing parallels. The then 18-year-old also wore orange convict clothing in Florida after a night of love with a 15-year-old who used a fake birth certificate to pretend she was 19. The teenager was eventually released after a nervous crime involving legal wrangling.
Deposit of 160,000 euros
Marc’s mother Verena D., for whom the allegations from the American Public Prosecution Service are still incomprehensible, also hoped for this. After his arrest in April – on the second day of his trip and after his first fatal night of love at the hotel – her son has been in custody in the infamous Brevard County Jail and has been awaiting trial ever since. At the first hearing, without an attorney general (!), a bail of 160,000 euros was imposed, as for a serious criminal.
An amount that his family in Austria could not afford. All their money goes to Marc’s survival during his incarceration: “He freezes at night and is fed bad prison food. We had to order an overpriced long sleeve shirt and healthy food for him. This costs us hundreds of euros per month. “I have taken a second job and we are selling all our belongings,” D. described the financial misery to “Krone” in June.
In custody since April
After the initial shock, Marc’s family naturally turned to the local authorities. That is why a local lawyer is temporarily representing him on behalf of Rood-Wit-Rood at the minimum rate. “Since the arrest became known, the embassy in Washington and the honorary consulate in Orlando have been in contact with the citizen, his family members and local authorities. Considering the circumstances, the person concerned is doing well. “We remain committed to providing him with the best possible care,” a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed this summer.
Whether Verena D’s son Marc will ever be able to feel a touch of freedom again is still up for debate. His US state sentence is 30 years in prison, which represents the highest risk of death in a US prison. Especially with this terrible accusation of child abuse.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
