Man Found With Missing Perry Hall Girl Charged With Kidnapping & Rape
PERRY HALL, Md. (WJZ) -- A North Carolina man has been charged with the kidnapping of a Perry Hall girl. Monday, he made his first court appearance where he is facing kidnapping and rape charges.
Tracey Leong has the details.
Police say investigators tracked the missing girl's internet activity, which led them to their suspect in North Carolina.
Thirty-two-year-old Victor Arroyo is being charged with kidnapping and first degree rape of 12-year-old Jasmine Baker. Arroyo spoke through a translator, saying, "I didn't do nothing" and was then advised by the judge not to say anything else.
Police say the 12-year-old was known for communicating with older men on her iPod Touch and X-Box. Investigators were able to find Arroyo by tracking the girl's internet activity. The FBI found Jasmine with Arroyo Friday and arrested him the following day.
"Just stopped and started crying," Jasmine Baker said. "I couldn't say anything."
Jasmine's family and friends celebrated her homecoming Saturday, after she went missing for more than 72 hours. She was last seen Tuesday when she left her home for Perry Hall Middle School, which is located less than a mile away.
Baltimore County police, Maryland State police and the FBI launched an extensive search and were flooded with tips.
"We had those billboards up in a 45 minute time span and that time is crucial when we are looking for someone who is at risk for danger," said FBI media representative Amy Thorsen.
"It only takes one tip, that's it," said Tina Baker, Jasmine's mother. "One tip is why Jasmine is here."
When the family was asked about Arroyo's charges, they said they were sickened by the thought of Jasmine being hurt.
"We won't question her. That will come out of the child in time," said her grandfather, Merrill Bittner.
Arroyo is being held on a $1.5 million bail. If convicted, he could get life in prison without parole.
Arroyo's next court appearance is Tuesday morning for a misdemeanor parole violation.
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