A 13-year-old girl from Plant City who was reported missing over the weekend has been found in South Florida with a man she met online. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said Breanne Spivey returned home safely after first vanishing early Saturday morning. Edward Rodriguez, 38, of Broward County, is in custody and faces several charges, including interference with child custody, according to WTSP.
Spivey left her home sometime between 1 and 3 a.m., and a Missing Child Alert was eventually issued by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The search culminated nearly a week later when authorities from both Hillsborough and Broward counties, alongside the U.S. Marshals, located Spivey in Broward County. In a quote obtained by WFLA, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said, "We are immensely grateful that this young girl has been found."
Investigators revealed that the teen and Rodriguez met online, which led to the encounter and her subsequent disappearance. Following the incident, Rodriguez has been charged with one count of lewd or lascivious molestation and one count of providing aid to a minor without notifying a parent or law enforcement officer, as reported by FOX 13 News.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said, "I want to extend my deepest thanks to the Broward County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals for their quick and effective support." The collaborative effort between local authorities has been pivotal in resolving the case swiftly and ensuring the teenager's safe return to her family. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges by the Broward County Sheriff's Office may follow, accordin to FOX 13 News.
