A missing Tennessee juvenile was discovered in Florida following an interstate investigation that resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect in Texas. Authorities claimed the case encompassed charges of abduction and sexual exploitation, and detectives worked across many states.
Hillsborough County deputies and other agencies tracked the teen’s movements and attempts to flee the country, leading to his recovery and arrest.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office entered the missing-person investigation on July 28 after receiving information that the child had traveled to Florida. Deputies met with the registered owner of the suspect vehicle, who stated that his nephew, Edgar Perez Hernandez, normally drives the truck.
That led investigators to an address where the vehicle was thought to be parked. By the time deputies arrived, Perez Hernandez and the teen had vanished. The sheriff’s office then turned over the case to its Special Victims Section.
On the same day, detectives discovered and recovered the missing youngster. According to detectives, the victim claimed that Perez Hernandez sexually abused her at various locations throughout several states, including Hillsborough County, while traveling from Tennessee to Florida.
Officials claimed the teen was reunited with her mother after she was found. The case soon evolved from a missing person search to a larger criminal probe spanning numerous jurisdictions.
On July 29, police learnt that Perez Hernandez was on a bus bound for Mexico. Troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety intercepted the bus and arrested him during a traffic stop.
He is charged with interference with child custody, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious conduct, use of computer services or devices to solicit certain illegal acts, travel to meet a minor after using computer services or devices to solicit certain illegal acts, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and four counts of sexual battery.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said the case demonstrated how swiftly agencies can collaborate across state boundaries to safeguard children and hold suspects accountable.
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