PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Authorities have brought additional charges against a Rhode Island man suspected of abducting and sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl who was grabbed after she got off her school bus.
Luis Martinez-Romero, 34, of Cranston, was arraigned Friday on three counts first-degree child molestation sexual assault, police said.
“After a further investigation, speaking with the little girl with our partner agencies, additional information developed that led to these charges,” Maj. David Lapatin told The Providence Journal.
The suspect had originally been charged with second-degree sexual assault and kidnapping of a minor.
Martinez-Romero continues to be held without bail. He has not entered pleas. No defense attorney was listed in court records and he was referred to the public defender’s office.
The girl was abducted at about 3 p.m. Monday in Providence. The suspect drove her around and eventually dropped her off in the area from which she was taken in less than an hour, police said.
Police released surveillance video that shows a person running up from behind the girl and grabbing her, then carrying her to an SUV.
Police said the kidnapping is unusual because there is no apparent connection between the suspect and the girl.
