Suspect in Disappearance, Death of 13-Year-Old Florida Girl Faces 60 More Sex Crime Charges

Disappearance death Florida girl mother's boyfriend suspect

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Mar 14, 01:50 am

Madeline Soto, 13, went missing on February 26, and her remains were found on March 1. Stephan Sterns, the boyfriend of Madeline's mom and the prime suspect in her vanishing, now confronted with 60 new charges ranging from sexual battery to possession of child pornography.

Stephan Sterns Faces Additional Charges

Although not charged in Madeline's passing, Sterns was formerly seized on February 28 for sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material.

The consecutive investigation disclosed added charges, along with eight counts of sexual battery on a child below 12, five counts of sexual battery with a child 12 to 18, seven counts of lewd or lascivious molestation, and 40 counts of illegal possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child.

The misconduct, dating back to 2019, happened when the victim was below 12 years old.

Soto's remains were found in Osceola County after a week of being declared missing. The charges cover a date range from June 19, 2019, to February 26, 2024.

Sterns will be arraigned on April 2, and sexual battery on a child under 12 carries the probability of life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Madeline Soto was last seen on February 26, and it is believed she was already deceased when Sterns allegedly moved her body.

Despite not cooperating with law enforcement since his arrest, evidence points to Sterns' involvement in the murder, and the ongoing investigation aims to uncover more details leading to Madeline's death.

Stern's Relationship to Madeline Soto

Sterns, who was in a relationship with Jennifer Soto, the mother of the victim, Madeline Soto, was initially arrested on charges of sexual battery with a child, capital sexual battery, and possession of material depicting sexual performance by a child. He is currently held without bond.

"We appreciate the efforts of our partners in the State Attorney's Office in assisting with seeking justice for Madeline," stated Kissimmee Chief of Police Betty Holland.

"Given the complexity of this case with many aspects, our work is ongoing, and we are continuing our investigation into the timeline leading up to Madeline's death."

Following Madeline's disappearance, investigators found "disturbing" images and videos of the teenager on Sterns' phone, leading to his first arrest on charges of sexual battery, capital sexual battery, and possession of material depicting sexual performance by a child.

"The State Attorney's Office has been working closely with KPD and received evidence that gave us cause to file formal charges against Sterns," said State Attorney Andrew Bain in a statement. "We appreciate the thoroughness and detailed attention of their investigation and will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to build a robust case against the defendant."

The additional charges were filed days after Madeline's body was discovered on March 1.

Madeline was last seen on February 26 when Sterns was supposed to have dropped her off at school, authorities believe she was already deceased that morning. Sterns allegedly moved her body after discarding her backpack and school-issued laptop in a dumpster.