Photo: Florida Department of Law Enforcement
A Florida dad who called 911 to report that his 3-year-old daughter was taken from his driveway Monday morning — leading authorities on a massive statewide search — lied about a major detail, say police.
On Monday, Lester Mejia and his daughter, Madeline Mejia, of Apopka, made headlines when the two were reunited after he said she’d been kidnapped that morning, and that he had no idea who would take her or why.
Mejia has custody of the child, but Fortin-Duarte does not.
At first, Mejia told authorities he put the toddler in her car seat and heard her scream when he dashed back into his house to get his keys.
Running back outside, he told police he saw a black Honda with temporary Texas plates pulling away from his house – with his daughter inside.
He said he jumped into his car and followed the Honda onto the Florida Turnpike northbound to I-75 for miles before he lost sight of the car, say police.
Realizing he’d forgotten his cell phone, Mejia rushed back home and called police.
Immediately, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued an Amber Alert.
FDLE agents took to a helicopter to scour the highwaysfrom the air and at noon, located the Honda traveling on I-10 in Leon County near Tallahassee almost 200 miles away, CNN reports.
The entire situation was “very traumatic” for the little girl, she said.
“Although Mr. Mejia was not forthcoming with the information he provided to the Apopka Police Department, he did have lawful custody of his daughter and Ms. Duarte unlawfully removed Madeline from his custody,” the statement says.
Four suspects – three men and one woman – were taken into custody, local station WESH reports.
Fortin Duarte and Olmeda-Velis were arrested and charged with interference with custody.
Tania Fortin Duarte, 19.Florida Department of Law Enforcement
It is unclear whether they have retained attorneys who can speak on their behalf or if they have entered pleas. They remain held without bond in Leon County.
Fortin Duarte lives out of state.
Later that night, clutching the toys the troopers had given her, Madeline was reunited with her father.
It is unclear if Mejia will face charges for lying to police.
source: people.com
