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By ANDREW TUTINO [email protected]
Thursday, May 02, 2002     Page: 9A

WILKES-BARRE – The Wisconsin man who police say befriended a Dallas teen on
the Internet, then brought her to his home, now faces criminal charges in two
states.
   
The Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office filed four misdemeanor
charges against Joshua Egelund on Monday in connection with his dealings with
16-year-old Lauren Nafus, of Dallas.
    District Attorney David Lupas announced the latest charges at a midday
press conference where he lauded county detective Timothy Judge, Dallas police
officer William Norton and Chief Jack Fowler for their work in ensuring Nafus’
safe return.
   
Egelund, 23, of Washburn, Wis., was charged with concealment of the
whereabouts of a child, interference with the custody of a child, criminal use
of a communication facility and corruption of a minor in a complaint filed
with District Justice James Tupper. Lupas said his office has begun
extradition proceedings for Egelund.
   
In Wisconsin, Egelund is charged with having sexual contact with a minor
and child enticement, both felonies, and two misdemeanors. He is being held by
authorities in Bayfield County, Wis. for lack of $4,000 bail.
   
Police say Egelund and Nafus began a relationship on the Internet nine
months ago. According to an affidavit, Nafus planned to take all of her
belongings and move to Wisconsin. Nafus had told Egelund she was 16 years old.
   
Egelund drove from Wisconsin to Dallas to pick her up on March 21. The two
then returned to Wisconsin. Nafus’ parents reported her missing that night,
according to the affidavit.
   
State police at Wyoming are completing a forensic analysis of Nafus’
computer, and further charges could be filed, Lupas said.
   
Andrew Tutino, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7218.