PALM COAST, Fla. (CBS12) — A former Miami Dade College professor accused of sexually assaulting a missing 15-year-old was arrested in Palm Beach County after DNA testing linked him to the case.

Deputies with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office say 46-year-old Richard Tapia of Palm Coast was re-arrested in Palm Beach County after forensic testing by the sheriff’s office confirmed his DNA was present in a sexual assault kit connected to a teen.

The investigation began July 22, when deputies responded to a Palm Coast hotel after the girl’s mother reported that her runaway daughter was staying there with an adult man.

Deputies found the girl leaving the hotel through a back stairwell. Tapia was located moments later as he was leaving through the front lobby, according to the sheriff’s office.

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Detectives determined Tapia had met the girl through an online app, picked her up in Jacksonville and drove her to Palm Coast, investigators said.

The girl told deputies that Tapia sexually assaulted her multiple times at the hotel.

Tapia was initially arrested on a charge of interference with child custody while detectives continued investigating the sexual assault allegations.

Investigators later conducted forensic interviews and analyzed evidence from Tapia’s cellphone. A sexual assault kit was also sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for testing.

That testing confirmed Tapia’s DNA was present, according to the sheriff’s office.

On Sept. 22, a capias was issued for Tapia on three counts of lewd or lascivious battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.

“This mother’s determination helped us find her daughter, which started the investigation on this pervert,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Our detectives followed the evidence and built a strong case against this predator who took advantage of a vulnerable child.”

The sheriff’s office said its Fugitive Apprehension Unit worked with the Florida Highway Patrol to locate and arrest Tapia in Palm Beach County.

Tapia was later taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held on a $350,000 bond.

Investigators believe there could be additional victims and are asking anyone with information about Tapia to contact the FCSO at 386-313-4911.