Charlotte Sena, left, and Craig Ross, right.Photo:National Center of Missing and Exploited Children; Saratoga County Jail
National Center of Missing and Exploited Children; Saratoga County Jail
The mancharged with kidnappingCharlotte Sena has been arrested multiple times in the past, albeit on much lesser charges than the one he currently faces.
Charlotte, 9, was found safe two days after she was kidnapped while riding her bike on a camping trip Saratoga County, N.Y.
Craig Nelson Ross Jr., 46, was charged with first-degree kidnapping, New York State Police said. He was linked to the crime when his fingerprints, stemming from a 1999 DWI, matched aprint found on a ransom notefrom Charlotte’s kidnapper, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a Monday press conference.
Ross was arrested Monday evening after the print match led authorities to his mother’s address, at which a camper was found parked in the rear, Hochul said. Charlotte was found inside a cabinet in the camper and was later brought to the hospital.
Citing court documents,FOX Newsreported that Ross pleaded guilty to the 1999 DWI, which resulted in a fine and a suspended driver’s license for 90 days. The outlet reported that he later received a conditional discharge, documents said.
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Ross was also arrested in April 2017 following a physical domestic dispute, during which, police alleged, he “reportedly applied pressure on the throat of the victim during the altercation,” a spokesperson for New York State Police tells PEOPLE.
The 2017 case was then turned over to the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office, which did not immediately respond to an inquiry seeking more information.
A spokesperson for the Milton Town Court said Ross is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Friday at 9 a.m., though he can waive his appearance, in which case his next court appearance would be Oct. 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Craig Ross Jr.Saratoga County Jail
Saratoga County Jail
State police said more charges against Ross are anticipated. He is currently being held at Saratoga County Jail without bail.
Charlotte’s family released a statement, shared with PEOPLE, thanking the first responders who helped locate the 9-year-old.
“We are thrilled that she is home and we understand that the outcome is not what every family gets, the statement reads. “A huge thank you to the FBI, the New York State police, all of the agencies that were mobilized, all of the families, friends, community, neighbors and hundreds of volunteers who supported us and worked tirelessly to bring Charlotte home.”
source: people.com
