A Florida man and the prime suspect in the disappearance of 13-year-old Madeline Soto declined to appear in court as the search continues for the Kissimmee girl.
According to WFTV9, 37-year-old Steven Stearns, identified as the boyfriend of Madeline’s mother, refused to appear in court Thursday, following his arrest on sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material charges.
Police said he was booked into the Orange County jail after finding “disturbing” photos on his phone, including evidence that suggested he tried to delete the evidence before detectives confiscated the phone. Evidence also suggests that the sexually explicit images and videos may have taken place at the family’s Kissimmee home.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Madeline, 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 allegedly being dropped off near Hunter’s Creek Middle School in Orlando by Stearns.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina added Sterns dropped Madeline off close to the Peace United Methodist Church on Town Boulevard, which is a few blocks from the middle school. It’s unclear why he dropped her off at the church instead of her school.
Investigators said Sterns was the last person to see Madeline, but as of Thursday afternoon, he has not been charged in connection with her disappearance.
Please Share! A Florida MISSING CHILD Alert has been issued for 13-year-old Madeline Soto last seen in Orlando. If you have any information, please contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at 407-254-7000 or 911. pic.twitter.com/P3DPplQo7p
— FDLE (@fdlepio) February 27, 2024
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.
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.
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.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Feature Photo via Orange County Sheriff’s Office]
