A missing 12-year-old Osceola County girl was safely recovered over the weekend, leading to the arrest of a North Carolina man now facing multiple felony charges across two Central Florida counties, including lewd or lascivious molestation of a minor under the age of 12.
According to investigators, the child was reported missing on January 31 after her parents believed she was staying overnight at a friend’s home in their neighborhood. Concern grew the following day when the girl stopped responding to phone calls and text messages, prompting her parents to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives were able to track the girl’s cellphone to a hotel in Orange County. Deputies from both counties responded to the location and found the child inside a vehicle with 22-year-old Edar Fabricio Dejesus-Matheu, authorities said.
Investigators determined the girl and Dejesus-Matheu met through social media and had been communicating for several months prior to the encounter. Officials said Dejesus-Matheu traveled from North Carolina to Central Florida, picked up the child in Osceola County, and transported her to the Orange County hotel.
During interviews conducted at the scene, investigators uncovered evidence that criminal sexual activity occurred within Orange County. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office assumed jurisdiction over that portion of the investigation.
Dejesus-Matheu was arrested in Orange County and charged with lewd or lascivious molestation of a minor under the age of 12. Osceola County authorities also charged him with traveling to meet a minor for unlawful sexual activity and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. He remains in the Orange County Jail, with additional charges pending in Osceola County.
The child was safely recovered and reunited with her family.
Anyone with information related to this case or similar incidents is encouraged to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at (407) 348-2222.
