Kidnapper Targets Child for Grandfather’s Settlement Money
In a startling twist of events, the suspected abductor of young Charlotte Sena may have had ulterior motives behind her kidnapping. The suspect, Craig Ross Jr., is believed to have deliberately targeted the Sena family in hopes of securing a ransom, allegedly due to his awareness of a $2.2 million lawsuit settlement awarded to Charlotte’s grandfather, Patrick Sena, from a sledding accident years ago. This claim comes from Ross Jr.’s ex-girlfriend, Amanda Preece, shedding light on a possible financial motive in the case.
Investigative Silence and a Dramatic Rescue
New York State Police have remained tight-lipped about the case since Charlotte Sena’s miraculous rescue during a dramatic law enforcement raid on Craig Ross Jr.’s trailer. The law enforcement agency has yet to provide detailed information on the investigation.
Amanda Preece, who briefly dated Ross Jr., spoke to The Daily Mail and revealed that Ross had a history of avoiding work and harbored a tendency to seek financial support from others. Preece suggested that Ross targeted Charlotte’s family due to their knowledge of her grandfather’s substantial settlement, hoping to secure some of that money for his own financial struggles.
Desperate Ransom Demand and Preplanned Abduction
The case took a chilling turn when law enforcement discovered a ransom note in the Sena family’s mailbox, demanding $50,000. This note led authorities to track down Ross Jr., who had been closely following the Sena family and was aware of their residence.
Preece noted that Ross Jr. closely observed Charlotte’s movements and ultimately seized an opportunity to abduct her during her bike ride. She believed that the abduction was pre-planned. Additionally, Ross Jr. had raised suspicions by covering the windows of his RV with a tarp a few months prior to the kidnapping.
Discovery and Arrest
Ross Jr.’s involvement was exposed when his fingerprints on the ransom note matched those from a 1999 DUI arrest. This led law enforcement to identify him as the prime suspect in the case, prompting a swift and intense operation.
Dozens of police vehicles and SWAT teams descended on Ross Jr.’s location, where they used flashbangs to gain entry and apprehended him with some resistance. In a cabinet inside his trailer, they discovered Charlotte Sena, alive and unharmed.
Charlotte’s Recovery
Details about Charlotte Sena’s condition have not been publicly disclosed, but Governor Kathy Hochul stated that there were no apparent signs of harm. State police confirmed that she is in good health and is currently recovering and being evaluated at a hospital.
Charlotte’s aunt, Jene Sena, expressed relief, stating, “We are just elated she came home.” Governor Hochul emphasized that not all such stories have happy endings, but in Charlotte’s case, she will be reunited with her family.
Craig Ross Jr. has been charged with first-degree kidnapping and is being held in Saratoga County jail without bond. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.