A statewide missing child alert was triggered, according to detectives, after a teenager from Plant City left home to meet with a man who is now being charged criminally.
The 13-year-old departed her family’s house early on Saturday, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
The adolescent was located with Edward Rodriguez, 38, in Broward County after investigators tracked her down there. The two met online, according to HCSO.
Rodriguez is charged with one crime of lewd or lascivious molestation, one count of aiding a minor without informing the parent or law enforcement official, and one count of interfering with the custody of a child.
“We are immensely grateful that this young girl has been found,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a statement. “I want to extend my deepest thanks to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals for their quick and effective support. Our joint efforts have brought a young girl home to her family, and that is what truly matters.”
