In a shocking turn of events, 13-year-old Madeline Soto has gone missing in Florida. The last person to see her was her mother’s boyfriend, Stephan Sterns, who has since been arrested on charges of sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material. This distressing case has left the community in shock and authorities scrambling to find answers.
Madeline Soto was last seen on February 26, and her whereabouts remain unknown. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has launched an intensive search effort to locate her and bring her back safely. According to officials, Stephan Sterns was the last person to see Madeline before she vanished. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance have raised concerns and intensified the investigation.
During the investigation of Madeline’s disappearance, law enforcement discovered disturbing images on Stephan Sterns’s phone. These images and videos were of a criminal and sexual nature, shedding light on a dark side of the case. Furthermore, investigators found evidence of attempts to delete these incriminating materials from the phone’s data. The gravity of these findings has led to an expanded investigation, involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Child Death After a Sand Hole Collapse in Florida
The criminal activities related to Madeline’s case were reportedly committed at the family’s home in Kissimmee, Florida. As a result, the Kissimmee Police Department has been notified and will work alongside the Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s criminal investigations division. This collaborative effort aims to bring justice to Madeline and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Stephan Sterns was taken into custody on February 29 for questioning. During the interrogation, he invoked his right to an attorney, hindering the investigation’s progress. Consequently, Sterns was formally arrested and transported to jail. It is expected that he will be held without bond, given the seriousness of the charges against him. The exact details of the charges have not been made public, as indicated by the jail records.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Madeline Soto’s disappearance to come forward. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has set up a dedicated hotline at 407-836-4357 for tips and leads. Additionally, individuals can contact Central Florida Crimeline or the St. Cloud Police Department, both of which are nearby and actively involved in the investigation. Time is of the essence, and any information, no matter how small, could be crucial in finding Madeline.
The community has rallied in support of Madeline and her family during this difficult time. Flyers and posters with her picture and information have been distributed throughout the area, raising awareness and encouraging people to remain vigilant. Local organizations and volunteers have organized search parties and are actively combing the surrounding areas in the hope of finding any leads.
Pennsylvania Police Officer Shot During Traffic Stop, Suspect Killed
Sheriff John Mina expressed his determination to find answers and bring closure to Madeline’s loved ones. He emphasized that the investigative teams from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Kissimmee Police Department will not rest until they locate Madeline and uncover the truth behind her disappearance. The case has garnered significant attention, and the community’s support is crucial in helping law enforcement solve this distressing mystery.
The power of social media and online platforms has been harnessed to spread awareness about Madeline’s case. Individuals are encouraged to share her story on various social media channels, using the hashtag #FindMadeline. The hope is that this widespread sharing will reach a wider audience and increase the chances of finding information that could lead to Madeline’s safe return.
The disappearance of Madeline Soto has shaken the community and prompted an intensive search effort. With disturbing discoveries on Stephan Sterns’s phone and ongoing investigations, authorities are determined to find Madeline and bring those responsible to justice. The support of the community, combined with the use of social media, serves as a beacon of hope in the quest to find answers and ensure Madeline’s safe return. As the search continues, the focus remains on locating Madeline and providing closure for her loved ones.
