A 42-year-old man from Rogersville, Tennessee has been charged in connection with the month-long disappearance of an Ohio teenager who was ultimately found safe in Florida, federal officials confirmed.
According to the office of U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II, the accused, Stephen Negron, is facing charges of transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Investigators said the teen was reported missing from Colerain Township, Ohio after her phone was turned off on February 13. Surveillance footage from the area reportedly showed a silver pickup truck with Tennessee plates, later traced back to Negron. Authorities used license plate readers to follow the vehicle’s movement through multiple states, including Kentucky and Tennessee.
The search intensified when federal agents tracked signals from a newly activated phone. This led them to a hotel in Palatka, Florida, where both Negron and the missing teen were located on March 13. The teen was safely recovered.
Prosecutors also revealed that Negron had a prior protective order issued in Texas involving another young woman. That case allegedly involved serious accusations, including assault and threats.
Negron was initially taken into custody on charges related to the Texas case and is expected to be transferred to Ohio to face additional charges tied to the recent incident.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, while officials continue to prioritize the safety and support of the victim.
