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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: March 12, 2024
Release Number: PNR-24-004
Case Number: 24001896
Media Contact: James Napier (kpdpio@kissimmee.gov) 407.518.2370 // 321.624.6081
60 New Charges Filed Against Stephan Sterns
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The State Attorney's Office for the 9th Judicial Circuit has filed 60 new criminal charges against Stephan Sterns (DOB 04/25/1986), the man associated with the Madeline Soto case.
Shortly after Madeline Soto’s disappearance, several disturbing images and videos were found on Stephan Sterns’ phone. The City of Kissimmee Police Department quickly arrested Sterns, who remains in custody with the Osceola County Department of Corrections on no bond.
The investigation revealed more images and videos depicting criminal acts. The Kissimmee Police Department provided this evidence to the State Attorney’s Office, which found cause to file the following charges:
- Eight counts of Sexual Battery on a Child Under 12
- Five counts of Sexual Battery with a Child 12-18
- Seven counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation
- 40 counts of Unlawful Possession of Materials Depicting Sexual Performance by a Child 10 or More Images
"We appreciate the efforts of our partners in the State Attorney’s Office in assisting with seeking justice for Madeline," says Kissimmee Chief of Police Betty Holland. “With this being a complex case with many facets, our work is not done, and we are continuing our investigation into the timeline leading up to Madeline's death.”
To learn more about the City of Kissimmee Police Department, visit, Kissimmee.gov/police
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