MOREAU, NY – The New York community of Moreau breathed a collective sigh of relief as 9-year-old Charlotte Sena, who had vanished from Moreau Lake State Park, was found safe and sound. The New York State Police reported that a suspect has been detained in connection with the case. Sena is currently in stable condition and has been taken to a hospital for a comprehensive check-up.
The investigation took a significant turn when state police observed a man depositing an item in the Sena family’s mailbox in the early hours of the morning. The item was a ransom note, which became a pivotal piece of evidence in the case. Although the first person of interest did not match the fingerprints on the note, a match was found in the records of a 1999 DWI arrest in Saratoga County. The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Craig Nelson Ross Jr., was arrested 10 hours after he was spotted dropping off the ransom note.
Upon identifying the suspect, tactical teams from state and federal agencies converged on a camper situated behind Ross Jr.’s mother’s residence in Milton, just outside Saratoga Springs. Ross Jr. was apprehended after some resistance, and Sena was discovered concealed in a cabinet within the camper.
Family members expressed their immense relief at Sena’s safe return. “We are just elated she came home,” shared Jene Sena, Charlotte’s aunt. Following her rescue, Sena was transported to a local hospital and reunited with her family.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community. “This stuff doesn’t happen here,” remarked Patrick Kane, a family friend who had been anxiously waiting for news near the park entrance. Despite the harrowing circumstances, Kane remained hopeful, asserting, “God’s going to bring her back home.”
Governor Kathy Hochul shared her delight at Sena’s safe return, extending her gratitude to the New York State Police, New York Park Police, and all those who worked relentlessly to locate her. “It is because of their efforts that Charlotte will be able to return home safe to her family,” Hochul stated.