Nine-Year-Old Charlotte Sena Found Safe and Suspect Arrested for Abduction
MOREAU — In a relief to the Sena family and the community, nine-year-old Charlotte Sena was found alive on Monday evening. State Police announced that a suspect in her abduction, 46-year-old Craig Ross Jr., had been arrested.
According to multiple law enforcement sources, Ross allegedly left a note at Charlotte’s parents’ house which may have demanded ransom in connection with her disappearance. The investigation led police to raid a house in Milton on Monday evening. The residence on Barrett Road, where the suspect’s relatives live, was searched and the girl was reportedly found in a trailer on the property.
After being found safe, Charlotte Sena was taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital via ambulance. The State Police confirmed her “good health” and announced that more information about the case would be released on Tuesday.
Earlier on Monday, the State Police stated that they had identified an individual who was in the area of Moreau Lake State Park when Charlotte went missing. The search expanded to multiple residences associated with the individual. The investigation had led to a significant presence of State Police personnel at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, with unmarked vehicles, tactical vehicles, and a helicopter involved in the operation.
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her joy at Charlotte’s safe discovery and offered support to the Sena family during this time.
The arrest of the suspect took place within three hours of the State Police expanding their search over 46 linear miles. Over 400 certified search and rescue personnel from various law enforcement agencies and fire departments were actively involved in the search effort.
Charlotte went missing on Saturday evening while she and her family were camping at Moreau Lake State Park. She was last seen riding her bicycle on a loop road near their campsite. Her family and friends searched frantically before alerting authorities through a 911 call.
State Police sources revealed that the investigation was considering the possibility of the girl or her family being deliberately targeted in the abduction.
The disappearance triggered an Amber Alert, with authorities believing that Charlotte was in imminent danger of serious harm or death.
The community rallied to support the search effort, with local businesses such as Sorrentino’s Delicatessen & Market, Giavano’s Pizza, Hannaford, and Dollar General providing food, water, and ice. The Local 773 Facebook page reported the generous contributions from these businesses. Mutual aid and spiritual support from clergy members and the community were also instrumental in the search.
As the investigation continues, the community and law enforcement eagerly await further updates from the State Police regarding the details of Charlotte Sena’s abduction and safe recovery.
Note: An earlier version of this story misidentified the suspect, whose correct name is Craig Ross Jr.
[Additional reporting by Steve Hughes and Rachel Silberstein.]