41-year-old kidnapped 3 children, found nude with them in car | Crime

Winter Haven, Florida-- According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, detectives have charged 41-year-old Javier Gonzales,1922 26th Street NW Winter Haven, with Sexual Battery of a Victim Under the age of 12.

This is considered a Capital Felony. He has also been charged with three counts of Kidnapping/Sexual Battery.

 Gonzales was arrested today, Monday, May 21, 2012, and is currently being booked into the Polk County Jail.

Gonzales was among several people visiting a residence where the children were staying.  He took the three children, all under the age of 12, from the residence without anyone’s knowledge. 

PCSO reports that the children saw Gonzales at the residence before and left with him believing he was going to take them to a family member.  

Instead, Gonzales drove them to an isolated area near Garfield Nursery and Rim Roads, where Gonzales Sexually Battered one of the children. 

He told the victim the other two children would be killed unless the victim cooperated. 

When family members discovered the children missing, they contacted PCSO and an extensive search commenced, which included a PCSO Bloodhound and Aviation.  Members of the Lake Wales Police Department also assisted in the search.

Gonzales heard the helicopter searching the area and attempted to hide himself and the children in the truck.  Deputies located the truck with the children and Gonzales inside.  Gonzales was nude. 

Gonzales was placed under arrest and the children were subsequently reunited with their family.

This is an ongoing investigation, and 10 News will continue wth updates as they become available.