The FBI recovered a 16-year-old girl from a hotel room near Jacksonville, Florida, last Friday following a month-long investigation after she went missing from Ohio on February 16. The agency apprehended a Tennessee man identified as Negron, who is suspected in the kidnapping.
Multi-State Investigation and Arrest
The search involved cooperation among the FBI’s Cincinnati, Nashville, and Jacksonville field offices, local police, and the FBI Hostage Rescue Team. Investigators tracked Negron’s movements after executing a search warrant at his Tennessee residence found he had fled. They located him and the victim in Palatka, Florida, leading to his arrest and the safe recovery of the girl.
Suspect’s Background and Pending Charges
Negron is linked to a 2024 case in Texas involving a 17-year-old girl, where he allegedly transported her for sexual activity and was involved in barricade incidents with law enforcement. He has prior misdemeanor charges including theft, trespassing, and marijuana possession. No child sexual abuse material has been identified so far in the current investigation, though digital evidence remains under review. Federal prosecutors in Ohio are considering charges related to the transportation of a minor for sexual activity.
FBI Emphasizes Child Protection Efforts
FBI Director Kash Patel praised the coordinated effort, highlighting it as the second successful intervention of alleged child sexual abuse cases by multiple field offices within a week. He emphasized protecting children from violent criminals as a top FBI priority and credited the collaboration for likely saving the teenager’s life.
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