CINCINNATI, Oh. (WZTV) — A Tennessee man who was found in Florida with missing Ohio teen has been charged with transporting a minor to engage in sexual activity.
Charges were filed in the Southern District of Ohio against Stephen L. Negron, 42, of Rogersville, Tennessee, after the teenager, 18, was found with him in Florida on March 13. Negron is charged with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
He allegedly drugged her, sexually assaulted her and threatened violence to her and her family.
“I want to commend the excellent work of the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation, recovery, and prosecution”
U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II spoke on the matter.
“My office is proud to partner with these outstanding public servants to ensure that our children remain safe from those who seek to prey upon them.”
According to charging documents, cell phone data showed the victim’s phone was powered off Feb. 13. Just before it was turned off, cell site data placed the phone at an intersection near the victim’s home.
Investigators reviewing area security camera footage saw a silver Chevrolet pickup truck with a Tennessee license plate registered to Negron in the area at the same time, according to the documents. License plate readers were used to track the truck’s earlier travel south through Kentucky and into Tennessee.
GPS pings tied to that number led agents to the Quality Inn & Suites Palatka Riverfront Hotel in Palatka, Florida.
On March 13, law enforcement officials located Negron and the teenager in Florida and arrested him on charges out of the Eastern District of Tennessee related to the former Texas victim. Negron is expected to be transferred to the Southern District of Ohio to face the federal charge filed there.
If convicted as charged, he faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison.
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