NEW PORT RICHEY -- Three men are facing charges over the disappearance of an 11 year old girl, who has been found safe.
Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco says 19-year-old Reginald Clark of Jacksonville and a 17-year-old from Clearwater communicated with the child on social media, and gave her a ride from near her school to see 22-year-old Luis Encarnacion of Tampa Monday. Nocco says the girl was found at the older man's home, and that he didn't have her best interests in mind.
Clark and the 17-year-old are charged with interfering with child custody.
Encarnacion is facing one count of Concealing the Location of a Minor, one count of Unlawful Use of Two Way Communication Device, two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Battery, and two counts of Sexual Battery (Victim Less Than 12; Defendant 18 or older). Following his arrest, Encarnacion admitted to the offenses while being questioned by HCSO detectives.
Sheriff Nocco says the girl lives in Thonotosassa in Hillsborough County but attends River Ridge Middle School in Pasco. He says she will have help available for any trauma she might have endured.
Nocco says this is a reminder to parents of the dangers that online media can present to children.
Photo: Pasco Sheriff's Office