The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A 12-year-old South Carolina girl was rescued from an Arkansas home and later reunited with her parents after the authorities received information that she had been abducted.
The girl was discovered in a bathroom. According to the arrest affidavit, she was shaking while facing the wall. An officer identified himself, and she thanked him for coming before saying she wanted her mother.
The girl reportedly told the investigators that she had met the couple online. She believed she was talking with a 15-year-old boy and understood the female suspect to be his roommate. She alleged that the male suspect sexually assaulted her after she arrived at the house.
The investigation began when South Carolina law enforcement contacted the Independence County Sheriff’s Department and told them that the child might be in northern Independence County. Investigators were also told about a Chevy Malibu with Arkansas license plates that may have been used to take the girl from South Carolina.
That information led officers to the couple’s residence. They first saw the vehicle outside, and eventually saw them leave the house. The male suspect acknowledged that the girl was there, and he was arrested. The female suspect allegedly tried to prevent officers from entering the residence and was physically removed so they could search for the child.
The girl was taken to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County.
According to reports, the male suspect was charged with rape, internet stalking of a child, and traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor. The female suspect was charge with accomplice to rape, accomplice to internet stalking of a child, and traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor. They were each being held on $1 million bonds.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.