Madeline Soto, a 13-year-old girl from Orlando, Florida, went missing on Monday, February 26, 2024. Despite being dropped off near her school by her mother’s boyfriend, Stephan Sterns, she never made it to school that day.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a Missing Child Alert for Maddie’s disappearance and continues to search for her, even after arresting Sterns on Wednesday afternoon.
At the time of her disappearance, Maddie had just celebrated her 13th birthday with family and friends. She was last seen wearing a green jacket, black shorts, and white Crocs near Hunter’s Creek Middle School.
Surveillance footage showed her in the church parking lot but she never made it inside the school.
Sheriff John Mina said it remains unclear why Maddie was dropped off so far from her school, and the sheriff’s office is investigating the drop-off. Maddie’s mother, Jenn Soto, expressed her fears for her daughter’s safety and pleaded for her safe return.
Investigators found text messages on Maddie’s cell phone indicating that she wanted to “live in the woods” after her birthday. Over 100 individuals, including deputies, detectives, and bloodhounds, have been searching for her since her disappearance.
While Stephan Sterns is not currently facing charges related to Maddie’s disappearance, he has been arrested on charges of sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Law enforcement officials found disturbing images and videos on Sterns’ phone that were criminal and sexual in nature.
Sterns, who was dating Maddie’s mother at the time, was the last person to see Maddie alive. He invoked his right to an attorney before being arrested and taken into custody. Sheriff Mina emphasized that they will not stop searching for Maddie until they find her.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issues Missing Child Alerts in cases where they believe a child is missing and in life-threatening danger. The alert allows law enforcement to release information to the public while they continue their investigation.
If an abduction is suspected, the alert may evolve into an Amber Alert, which includes detailed descriptions of the child, abductor, and/or vehicle used in the abduction.
As the search for Maddie continues, law enforcement officials are working tirelessly to bring her home safely. The community remains hopeful for her safe return as the investigation into her disappearance unfolds.
