(DeLand, Florida) – A 32-year-old DeLand man was arrested and charged with sexual battery after having sex with a runaway girl who DeLand police officers recovered after being alerted she was in the DeLand area. 

The victim, who was found in Chess Park Wednesday, Jan. 29th, 2025, told officers she was sexually battered by the suspect, Carlos A. Ortiz (01/06/1993). Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division quickly located Ortiz and took him into custody. 

On Monday, Jan. 27th, 2025, the girl was flagged as a missing teen that was possibly in the DeLand area. The next day, around 10:40 p.m., while responding to a report of a suspicious incident, police came in contact with a female who was later determined to be the runaway teen. At the time, officers were unable to verify the female’s identity and unable to legally detain her. The teen provided a false name to police. 

Efforts to locate the teen continued until she was found at Chess Park. 

During the investigation, detectives learned the teen communicated with another individual via a dating platform and misrepresented her age. The male contacted police but the juvenile ran away from his residence before officers arrived. 

Ortiz was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail where he is charged with sexual battery and failing to deliver leased equipment. Ortiz is being held without bond.

Due to the nature of the case, the Department of Children and Families was contacted. It was determined the minor’s home was unsuitable so she was placed into state custody. 

The investigation remains active and further details will be released when available. 

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