A Florida woman was arrested after allegedly hiding a missing teenage boy she had been trying to adopt.
On February 10, a teenage boy was reported missing from an academy that provides care for children who have had multiple unsuccessful foster placements. He had been given permission to visit a local park, but when staff went to pick him up, he was not there. When the authorities were notified, they began investigating, and learned that earlier that day, the boy had been involved in an incident with a woman who volunteers at the academy.
According to reports, the woman had been in the process of trying to adopt the teen, but she was ordered to cut off all contact with him. When she talked to the authorities, she reportedly said the last time she saw him was at the park, and she had only gone there to give him food. When asked if she knew where he might have gone, she suggested that they search the Tampa area.
The investigation continued, and detectives alleged that she bought the boy a cellphone and was paying for the service. They also believe she opened a bank account for him and had been giving him other forms of support. She reportedly set him up in a condo and spent time with him there, and allegedly brought alcohol, cigarettes, and a marijuana vape pen for him when she visited.
When the teenager’s phone was tracked, the authorities were led to a location in Venice, which is where the woman previously told the authorities she had a dentist appointment. Investigators worked with local police to check dental offices, and they reportedly found the boy in her car in a parking lot.
The woman was arrested on suspicion of interfering with the custody of a minor and contributing to delinquency. She was later released on bail.
It was reported that there was no evidence found to suggest that they had a sexual relationship. When the teen talked to the authorities, he reportedly said he ran away when he found out he wasn’t allowed to see the woman anymore.
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.