A missing 16-year-old girl from Ohio was found in Dunnellon, Florida with World of Warcraft, of all things. Authorities were able to find the missing 16-year-old by determining the juvenile victim’s World of Warcraft account was being utilized at an address in Dunnellon the same day assistance was required. The address belonged to 31-year-old Thomas Ebersole who was arrested for allegedly traveling to meet a minor to engage in sexual activity, interfering with child custody, and sheltering an unmarried minor.
After law enforcement made contact at his home, Ebersole initially denied knowing the juvenile victim. Eventually, he admitted that he had driven to Ohio to meet the victim and brought her back to his home. Ebersole also said that he was in a romantic relationship with the juvenile victim and was going to hide her in his home with plans for her to become his wife.
Ebersole provided the authorities with Discord messages that further outlined his plans to meet the victim in Ohio and engage in sexual activity despite knowing that he was committing a crime. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he remains without bond.
As World of Warcraft Blizzard revealed what’s next continues to save lives, this year marks the franchise’s 20th anniversary. During the return of BlizzCon last year, with The Worldsoul Saga. This narrative arc will be told throughout the next three major expansions for the game. The first, The War Within is set to release in 2024.
Executive Creative Director Chris Metzen called The Worldsoul Saga “the culmination of the first 20 years of our storytelling” that will “vector us into the next 20 years of adventure.”