Benjamin Wier, a 26-year-old man from Pierce County, Washington, pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping a 13-year-old girl from Michigan, allegedly intending to bring her to Spanaway for sexual purposes. Prosecutors assert that Wier drove over 4,000 miles to pick up the girl, who was reported missing after leaving home with an unknown male. The defense claims the minor had run away and expressed a desire to be with Wier, citing communications that indicated her consent to leave. However, detectives uncovered incriminating Snapchat messages revealing a relationship that escalated to sexual content, including nude photographs. The investigation led authorities to Wier’s grandmother's house in Spanaway, where both he and the girl were found.

In court, there were significant discussions about Wier's potential flight risk and the implications for community safety. The judge reduced Wier's bail from $150,000 to $75,000 while denying his request for personal recognizance release. As the legal proceedings unfold, the court continues to evaluate the nature of the allegations and their impact on the victim and community.