MADDIE, 13, Vanishes From Church Parking Lot as MOM'S LIVE-IN BUSTED ON SEX CRIMES

Madeline, 13, has been missing since Monday morning when her mom's boyfriend dropped the teen off near the Peace United Methodist Church, a few blocks from Hunters Creek Middle School in Orlando. 

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Madeline's mom goes to pick her up and finds that Madeline never reported to school.  Police started canvassing the area, looking for any witnesses or surveillance video. Later that evening, police called in bloodhounds.   The dog did an extensive search but did not provide any results about her whereabouts.

The last person to see Madeline Soto before she vanished, was the mom's boyfriend Steven Stearns. He is now under arrest for sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material.  As part of the investigation into the whereabouts of Madeline, Orange County Sheriff's Office Detectives forensically examined Stephan Stearns' cell phone and discovered disturbing images.

Looking into the phone's data, detectives uncovered attempts to delete evidence from the device as well. The Orange County Sheriff's Office is still actively investigating Madeline Soto's disappearance and 37-year-old Stephan Sterns is now the prime suspect.

UPDATE: The day after our broadcast. Maddie Soto's body was found off Hickory Tree Road in Osceola County. 

Joining Nancy Grace Today:

Jarrett Ferentino - Homicide Prosecutor in Pennsylvania and Host of, “True Crime Boss” Podcast; Facebook & Instagram: Jarrett Ferentino 

Dr. Jorey L. Krawczyn – Police Psychologist, Adjunct Faculty with Saint Leo University; Research Consultant with Blue Wall Institute, Author: Operation S.O.S. – Practical Recommendations to Help “Stop Officer Suicide”

Dr. Trace Sargent - Search, Rescue & Recovery Expert, PhD in Psychology (with a focus on victimology - criminal profiling - predator behaviors - crime scene analysis), Director of Forensic Investigations and Analysis

Chris McDonough – Director at the Cold Case Foundation, Former Homicide Detective; Host of YouTube channel: “The Interview Room”

Anna Sonoda – Child Grooming Expert, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Author: “Duck Duck Groom: Understanding How a Child Becomes a Target”

Hannah Mackenzie - Anchor/reporter for FOX 35 Orlando; IG & X: @hannahh_mackk/FB: @Hannah Mackenzie  

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