Radio announcer accused of using Internet to try to entice girl for sex
By MARK MORRIS
The Kansas City Star
A 28-year-old radio announcer from Marshall, Mo., has been charged in federal court with using the Internet in attempting to entice a 14-year-old girl for illegal sex.
Independence police Sunday arrested Ethan D. Handel when he appeared at an apartment to meet the “girl.” Actually, he had been communicating online with an undercover detective.
According to court records, Handel told police he used computers at work and home.
In another court filing, prosecutors alleged he admitted to previously meeting four minors in other states and engaging in sexual activity with three of them.
He did sports and weather reports for KMMO radio in Marshall. In a written statement, General Manager John Wilson said he and other co-workers were “shocked,” but were cooperating with police.
According to an affidavit filed to support the charges, Detective John Howe was online June 11 in his 14-year-old persona when Handel offered to come to Independence for a movie. Later, Handel suggested a more intimate encounter.
According to the affidavit, Handel told officers he knew his activities were illegal.
