Get the latest information on the search for Madeline Soto
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Wednesday evening the Orange County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 37-year-old Stephen Sterns, accused of sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Officials say Sterns is the boyfriend of missing 13-year-old Madeline Soto's mother, and the last person to see her on the morning of Feb. 26.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office says during the investigation into Madeline's disappearance, deputies discovered images that were criminal and sexual in nature on Sterns' phone.
They say the alleged crimes were committed at a home in Kissimmee, where the city's police department is now leading the sexual battery case.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office is still actively investigating Madeline's disappearance and says Sterns is a prime suspect.
Officials say Sterns invoked the right to an attorney and is being held in jail without bond.
This is a breaking news update. Original story follows.
ORLANDO — A Florida Missing Child Alert is in effect for a 13-year-old girl in Orlando.
Madeline Soto was last seen in the 13500th block of Town Loop Boulevard and was wearing a green jacket, black shorts and white "Croc" shoes. She is 5 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs 110 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. Investigators say she left home without her phone on Monday.
Authorities gained access to her phone, and found a message where she expressed a desire to live in the woods when she turned 13. She turned 13 on February 22.
OCSO just told us more than 50 members of their Emergency Response Team are conducting searches in various areas regarding missing 13-year-old Madeline Soto.
— Katie Streit (@katiestreit) February 28, 2024
Orange County Sheriff John Mina said that well over 100 deputies, detectives, and analysts are actively engaged in the investigation.
According to authorities, Soto's mother's boyfriend dropped her off a few blocks away from her school on Monday morning. Later that day, the teen's mom went to the school and found out that she never arrived.
On Tuesday, officers and members of Soto's family distributed flyers near the school. Mina also mentioned that the department would execute a search warrant on the girl's home as a matter of procedure in missing persons cases.
Another step the department is taking that is standard procedure is to check in with every registered sex offender in the area of the disappearance.
In a statement to media outlets, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said: "Many of you have inquired about the search for missing 13-year-old Madeline Soto. A variety of teams are out this morning, both searching, and continuing the investigation. More than 50 members of our Emergency Response Team are conducting searches in various areas. And detectives continue to canvas, conduct interviews and follow any possible leads.
"The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is concerned for Madeline’s safety, and our teams have been working around the clock in this investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to call authorities at 407-254-7000 or 911.
This is a developing story. Stay with Spectrum News 13 on-air, online and on the Spectrum News app for updates.
