LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- Federal officials are searching for a Lee County man accused of raping his 10-year-old step-daughter in 2007.
36-year-old Carlos Arias is believed to be living in North Florida now.
According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, the victim reported the rape to her mother and a medical examination confirmed the crime. However, investigators say the mother called the girl a liar and alerted Arias of pending charges, and he fled the area.
The mother, Adilaida Arias, was arrested for child neglect before disappearing while out on bond. She later spent time in jail on other charges but ran to north Florida and was arrested again.
“It was quite obvious that she loved her new husband over her own daughter – her own flesh and blood,” said Lee County Sergeant Brian Foell.
Investigators believe Carlos Arias is still nearby and in the state.
He is 5′ 5″ in height and weighs approximately 150 pounds. Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
