Search Continues for Missing Florida Teen After Arrest of Mother’s Boyfriend

Below are the latest updates on the search for Madeline Soto, provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office:

13-year-old Madeline Soto (last seen wearing a green sweatshirt, black shorts, and white Crocs) has been missing since Monday, February 26, 2024. Through investigative efforts, Stephen Sterns was identified as the prime suspect in Madeline’s disappearance. pic.twitter.com/2vDccltiZf

— Kissimmee Police (@kissimmeepolice) March 1, 2024

Sheriff Mina: Video evidence shows Stephan Sterns discarding items in a dumpster at the family’s Kissimmee apartment complex at 7:35 a.m. on 2/26. Investigators later found Madeline’s backpack inside.

At 8:19 a.m., video shows Sterns returning to the complex with Madeline… pic.twitter.com/fPqxGEADV6

— Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) March 1, 2024

MAJOR DEVELOPMENT in the case of missing 13-year-old Madeline Soto:

This evening, the Kissimmee Police Department, working in conjunction with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Stephan Sterns, 37, for sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material.… pic.twitter.com/yZn8O8JpYM

— Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) February 29, 2024

Sheriff Mina update on missing 13-year-old Madeline Soto https://t.co/MW5k9XqYjg

— Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) February 28, 2024