News Summary
A 69-year-old man in Greenville, South Carolina has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after attempting to kidnap a young girl near Westcliffe Elementary School. The incident, which occurred during a school day, saw the girl’s mother bravely fight back against the suspect, Robert Daniel Mistretta, preventing the abduction. Evidence, including the girl’s school ID found with Mistretta, played a significant role in the prosecution. He is also required to register as a sex offender following his conviction.
Greenville, South Carolina – A 69-year-old man from Greenville has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his attempt to kidnap a minor girl near an elementary school. Robert Daniel Mistretta pled guilty to the charges on July 9, 2025, following an incident that took place on August 16, 2023.
Mistretta attempted to abduct a young girl from her mother while they were on their way to Westcliffe Elementary School. In a tense confrontation, the mother fought back and successfully thwarted Mistretta’s efforts to make off with her child. As a result of the struggle, the girl’s school ID was torn from her backpack, which later became a critical piece of evidence in the case against Mistretta.
After the attempted kidnapping, law enforcement officials located Mistretta near the scene of the crime, where he was found with the victim’s school ID in his possession. This detail significantly contributed to the prosecution’s case as it connected Mistretta directly to the incident.
In addition to his sentencing of 15 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Mistretta is mandated to register as a sex offender. This requirement is part of the legal proceedings following his conviction, reflecting the severity of the crime he attempted to commit.
Details of the Incident
The attempted kidnapping occurred during a routine school day when the girl and her mother were walking to Westcliffe Elementary School. Witnesses reported seeing the confrontation, which highlighted the courage of the mother in defending her daughter against Mistretta’s unsolicited advances.
Mistretta’s prior criminal history includes a charge of indecent exposure earlier in 2023. This history raises concerns about his pattern of behavior and underscores the importance of vigilant community awareness regarding the safety of children.
Legal Proceedings
The case was processed by the Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, with Cindy Crick leading the prosecution. The office, committed to upholding the law and protecting the community, took the matter seriously given the gravity of the attempted abduction. The thorough handling of the case is instrumental in ensuring justice is served and reinforcing the public’s trust in law enforcement agencies.
Community Response and Safety Measures
The community has responded with shock and concern regarding the attempted kidnapping. Parents have been urged to remain vigilant and vigilant while walking their children to school or other locations. The incident has raised awareness about the importance of discussing personal safety with children and reinforcing strategies to avoid dangerous situations. Parents and community leaders are working together to establish stronger measures to ensure the safety of minors, particularly around schools.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Robert Daniel Mistretta serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for awareness and proactive measures to protect children. As community members rally together to promote safety, law enforcement continues to examine and address the issues surrounding potential threats to minors in Greenville and beyond. With Mistretta’s sentencing, authorities hope to discourage similar behavior and reassure families that justice is being served in cases involving the safety of children.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Greenville Man Sentenced for Kidnapping Attempt
- Wikipedia
- WYFF: Greenville Man Attempted Kidnapping
- Google Search: Greenville kidnapping attempt
- True Crime News: South Carolina Man Sentenced
- Google Scholar: Greenville South Carolina kidnapping
- Greenville Online: Coroner Identifies Man Shot by Deputies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- WYFF: Greenville County Manhunt for Kidnapping Suspect
- Google News: Greenville South Carolina child safety
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
