The Orange County Sheriff's Office announced on Wednesday a significant development in the case of 13-year-old Madeline "Maddie" Soto, who was reported missing on Monday night in Orlando, Florida.

Stephan Sterns, 37, the boyfriend of Madeline Soto's mother and the last person to have seen her, was arrested on Wednesday evening, according to Fox 35.

Authorities charged him with sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material.

While Sterns was not arrested directly in connection to the missing Florida girl's disappearance, the Orange County Sheriff's Office identified him as the "prime suspect."

Disturbing Discoveries in Investigation

During the investigation into the missing Florida girl's whereabouts, detectives found "disturbing images" and videos of a "criminal and sexual nature" on Sterns' phone.

The forensic examination revealed attempts to delete evidence, and the crimes were determined to have occurred at the family's home in Kissimmee, Yahoo! News reports.

Local police are leading the sexual battery case based on the evidence uncovered.

Video footage released by the sheriff's office shows Sterns being silently placed into a patrol car.

Despite being given an opportunity to cooperate with detectives during an interview, Sterns invoked his right to an attorney.

He was subsequently arrested and transported to jail.

Authorities emphasized their commitment to finding answers about Maddie's disappearance.

The search for Madeline Soto began on Monday night, involving over 100 deputies, detectives, intelligence analysts, and bloodhounds.

A bloodhound performed an extensive search using an item of Maddie's but yielded no results.

Detectives accessed the missing Florida girl's phone, discovering information suggesting she expressed a desire to live in the woods when she turned 13.

Maddie, described as blond with blue eyes, stands 5 feet, 1 inch tall. She was last seen wearing a green sweatshirt, black shorts, and white Crocs.

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Press Conference and Shocked Community

In a press conference, Sheriff John Mina described the discovered images as "disturbing," indicating that they appear to have been taken in the family's home, New York Post noted.

Sterns, currently held without bond, attempted unsuccessfully to delete some of the photos and videos.

The arrest has shocked those who know Sterns, with a friend expressing disbelief at the allegations.

While not charged in connection to Maddie's disappearance, Sterns is considered a "prime suspect" by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

As law enforcement continues the search for Madeline Soto, her family clings to hope, awaiting answers regarding her disappearance.

Sheriff Mina reaffirmed their dedication to finding the missing Florida girl and bringing clarity to this distressing situation.

"Stephan Sterns had an opportunity tonight to come clean with detectives and help lead them to information about Maddie's disappearance," Sheriff Mina said.

 "Her loved ones deserve answers, and OCSO and the Kissimmee Police will not stop until we find Maddie."

"I'm trying to hope for the best, but I'm scared for her," said her mother, Jen Soto.

"I want her to be okay; I want her to be safe. I don't want her to come back harmed. I just want her back - whatever that means, I just want her back."

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Arrest made in search for Madeline Soto, Florida girl who went missing - From Fox 35 Orlando