UPDATE: An arrest has been made as part of the investigation into missing Madeline Soto, but she remains missing.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced:
“MAJOR DEVELOPMENT in the case of missing 13-year-old Madeline Soto:
This evening, the Kissimmee Police Department, working in conjunction with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Stephan Sterns, 37, for sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Stephan Sterns is the boyfriend of Madeline’s mother, and the last confirmed person to see her on the morning of Monday, February 26.
During the investigation into Madeline’s disappearance, Orange County Sheriff’s Office detectives discovered disturbing images when they forensically examined Sterns’ phone. A review of the phone’s data revealed attempts to delete evidence.
Through the work of our Digital Forensics Unit earlier today, detectives discovered images and videos that were criminal, and sexual in nature.
Detectives then were able to determine that those crimes were committed at the family home in Kissimmee, and they immediately notified Kissimmee Police. At this time, KPD detectives are the lead on the sexual battery case, working alongside members of our Criminal Investigations Division.
OCSO is still actively investigating Madeline’s disappearance and Sterns is considered the prime suspect at this time.
This afternoon, Sterns was brought to OCSO Central Operations where he was interviewed by Kissimmee PD and OCSO detectives. He invoked his right to an attorney and was placed under arrest and transported to jail, where we expect he will be held on no bond.
‘Stephan Sterns had an opportunity tonight to come clean with detectives and help lead them to information about Maddie’s disappearance,’ said Sheriff John Mina. ‘Her loved ones deserve answers and OCSO and the Kisssimmee Police will not stop until we find Maddie.’
The search for Madeline continues.”
Original story:
A Florida mother is desperate for answers following the mysterious disappearance of a 13-year-old Kississimee girl.
Madeline Soto, who had just celebrated her 13th birthday with family, was last seen Monday at around 8:30 a.m. Footage reportedly showed Madeline in a church parking lot on February 26, after being dropped off near Hunter’s Creek Middle School in Orlando by her mother’s boyfriend.
Her mother, Jenn Soto, said that Madeline, who doesn’t have a history of running away, never entered the school. She also left her phone at home, police said.
“I’m trying to hope for the best, but I’m scared for her,” Jenn Soto, told Fox 35. “I want her to be okay; I want her to be safe… I don’t want her to come back harmed. I just want her back – whatever that means, I just want her back.
Police said they found information on Madeline’s phone that indicated she wanted to go “live in the woods” after she turned 13.
Over 50 emergency response members from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office are currently searching across different area locations to find the teen. Police and K-9s are concurrently canvassing additional areas, officials said.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Madeline is described as a white female who stands 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighs around 110 pounds. She has dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. FDLE has issued a Florida Missing Child Alert for the teen.
Madeline Soto #Missing: Florida mom begs for daughter's safe return home
"I’m trying to hope for the best, but I’m scared for her," said Jenn Soto. "I want her to be okay; I want her to be safe…"https://t.co/7rWO2tqxEP
— National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (@MissingKids) February 28, 2024
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at (407) 254-7000.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo via Orange County Sheriff’s Office]
