Missing Florida 11-Year-Old Found In 22-Year-Old ‘Boyfriend’s’ Home

An 11-year-old Florida girl was found in the home of her 22-year-old “boyfriend” less than 24 hours after an Amber alert had been issued. Police arrested Luis Encarnacion, who is facing multiple charges, including child sex abuse. 

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the girl was last seen at River Ridge Middle School on Monday. She was later seen on surveillance video getting into Hyundai with two men at a 7-Eleven. The two men, identified as Reginald Clark, 17, and Jonathon MacGregor, 19, were also arrested. They are facing charges of interference of child custody.

The child was later located at Encarnacion’s home in Tampa. Authorities believe Encarnacion and the girl first made contact with one another through social media. 

“In her mind, she thought Luis was her boyfriend,” Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said. “We all know that’s not real … What’s real is Luis acted like a predator on this little child.”

According to the New York Post, the girl has suffered from “numerous adverse childhood experiences” and seeking stability. Her mom is currently incarcerated, and her father has been absent from her life. Encarnacion preyed on the girl’s vulnerabilities.

Nocco said of the child: “She is looking for that stability, that rock, love, that caring nature that most kids are given in life.”