(COLUMBUS) - A 39-year-old Ohio man now faces federal charges in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee of Fishers.
Federal prosecutors in Columbus have charged Tyler Thomas with sexual exploitation of a minor and traveling in interstate commerce with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The charges largely mirror the state charges he previously faced in Ohio.
Court documents show Thomas met Buzbee online through gaming platforms and communicated with her for more than a year before picking her up from her home on January 5. Investigators believe she was killed in Ohio. Authorities later recovered her remains after Thomas led investigators to a wooded area.
Federal officials say the investigation is ongoing. Thomas has not been charged with murder, but prosecutors say additional charges remain possible. If convicted on the current federal charges, Thomas faces up to 30 years in prison.