Vermont man wearing only a towel allegedly lured child into hotel room

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. (TCN) — Police recently arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of luring a child into a room at a hotel that reportedly houses homeless people.

On the morning of July 23, the Brattleboro Police Department responded to the Quality Inn on Putney Road. Officers learned John Oja allegedly lured the victim, who WCAX-TV reports is 3 years old, but staff intervened and returned the minor to their parent.

The hotel manager reportedly said that through their security cameras, they saw “two small children running through one of the hallways,” which is against their policy. Staff continued to observe the video and saw one of the kids disappear from view.

The manager alleged, “When the little girl walked by, [Oja] had the door wide open. As soon as she went in the room, he shut the door.”

Authorities reportedly found Oja in the room wearing only in a towel and took him into custody.

According to court documents reviewed by WCAX, Oja told officers he planned to put on clothes and bring the child to the front desk. Police reportedly searched the room and discovered children’s toys.

Oja faces a charge of unlawful restraint. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.

Police noted that the child was unharmed.

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