South Carolina man sentenced for trying to kidnap minor from her mother’s arms
07/10/2025 12:57 pm PDT
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (TCN) -- A 69-year-old man will spend over a decade behind bars for trying to kidnap a minor victim as she and her mother were on their way to an elementary school nearly two years ago.
The 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office announced that Robert Mistretta pleaded guilty on July 9 to attempted kidnapping. A judge sentenced him to 15 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections and sex offender registration.
According to authorities, on Aug. 16, 2023, Mistretta tried to abduct the minor victim from her mother’s arms on their way to Westcliffe Elementary School. Following a brief struggle, prosecutors said the "victim’s mother was able to fend off Mistretta," but her daughter’s school ID was "ripped off her backpack."
Officials found Mistretta nearby with the victim’s ID in his pocket.
According to records reviewed by WHNS-TV, Mistretta was previously charged with indecent exposure in 2023.
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