Tennessee Man Charged in Ohio Teen's Month-Long Disappearance

Authorities say 42-year-old Stephen Negron transported a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, the harsh flash creating dramatic shadows and highlights that convey a sense of gritty, investigative urgency.The harsh flash illuminates the cold, metallic restraints that symbolize the legal consequences faced by those who exploit vulnerable minors.Rogersville Today

A 42-year-old Tennessee man named Stephen Negron has been charged with transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity after a teenage girl who had been missing from Ohio for a month was found with him in Florida.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of child exploitation and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable minors from predatory adults. It also underscores the importance of effective law enforcement coordination across state lines to locate missing persons and bring perpetrators to justice.

The details

According to charging documents, the victim's cell phone was last pinpointed near her home in Colerain Township, Ohio on February 13. Security camera footage showed a silver Chevrolet pickup truck with a Tennessee license plate registered to Negron in the area at the same time. Investigators were able to track the truck's travel through Kentucky and into Tennessee. On March 12, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Negron's home in Rogersville, Tennessee, and pings from the victim's new cell phone led them to a hotel in Palatka, Florida, where they found Negron and the victim the next day.

  • The victim's cell phone was last detected near her home on February 13.
  • On March 12, FBI agents searched Negron's home in Tennessee.
  • Authorities located Negron and the victim at a hotel in Florida on March 13.

The players

Stephen Negron

A 42-year-old man from Rogersville, Tennessee who has been charged with transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

Dominick S. Gerace II

The U.S. Attorney who announced the charges against Negron.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights the serious issue of child exploitation and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable minors from predatory adults.”

— Dominick S. Gerace II, U.S. Attorney

What’s next

Negron will be transferred to Ohio to face charges there, in addition to the charges he is already facing related to a previous case in Texas involving another underage victim.

The takeaway

This disturbing case underscores the importance of strong law enforcement coordination and public awareness in combating the exploitation of minors. It serves as a sobering reminder that predators will go to great lengths to target vulnerable young people, and that vigilance is essential to protect our communities.