A 15-year-old girl, who had been missing for a year, was discovered nearly 500 miles away from her home in Reading, Pennsylvania. The teenager, whose identity remains undisclosed, was found in High Point, North Carolina, in the residence of a 32-year-old man, Joseph A. Rossomando. Rossomando is now facing charges for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting the minor, according to police reports.
The teenager was initially reported as a runaway when she disappeared from her home in June of the previous year. The police were able to locate her on Monday following a tip-off that she was in High Point, North Carolina. Rossomando was arrested after the girl was found in his home.
Upon searching Rossomando’s residence, the police reportedly discovered child pornography. Further investigation led to the seizure of Rossomando’s electronic devices, which were found to contain child sexual abuse material.
Rossomando is now facing multiple charges. These include seven counts of statutory sex offense with a child under 15, seven counts of statutory rape of a child under 15, and felony charges for trafficking a child victim, sexual servitude of a child victim, sexual exploitation of a minor, statutory rape, and first-degree kidnapping.
Currently, Rossomando is being held at the Guilford County Jail without bond. The High Point police have confirmed that the girl is safe and is receiving necessary support services.
The shocking allegations have left the local community in disbelief, especially considering that several police officers reside in the area. One neighbor expressed their shock, stating, “It’s crazy to find out that our neighbor is doing that type of stuff.” Another local resident added, “We actually have cops that live in the neighborhood, quite a few actually that I could think of. But definitely not a norm to see cops coming to houses here.”
The High Point Police Department has been contacted for additional information regarding the case.