DISTURBING—Cops Find Florida Woman’s SECRET Condo Hideout for Runaway Teen!
Florida authorities uncover a woman’s hidden condo where she sheltered a runaway teen with alcohol, cigarettes, and more! 🌐 #News #PuntaGordaFL #Florida #Crime
PUNTA GORDA, FL – A startling case unfolded in Florida when deputies uncovered a 61-year-old woman allegedly concealing a missing teenage boy in a condo. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office reported that Sherry J. Novelli had been harboring the runaway, providing him with alcohol, cigarettes, and more while claiming she wanted to adopt him. What began as a search for a missing boy from an academy escalated into a web of deception that stunned law enforcement.
Missing Boy Sparks Investigation
The situation came to light on February 10 when deputies received a call about a teenage boy missing from Crossroads Hope Academy, a program for boys who’ve struggled in foster care placements. Staff reported that the teen had permission to visit South County Park but vanished when they returned to pick him up.
Authorities later found out an earlier incident that day involved a volunteer, identified as Novelli, who was told she could no longer contact the boy.
A Trail of Clues Unravels
Investigators dug deeper, finding that Novelli had bought the boy a cellphone and paid for its service. She also opened a bank account in his name, despite having no legal authority over him.
When questioned, Novelli claimed she last saw the teen at the park, insisting she only gave him food before leaving. She even pointed deputies toward Tampa—100 miles north of the academy in Punta Gorda—as a possible location, while asking about the steps being taken to find him.
A detective arranged to meet Novelli, but she delayed the meeting, citing a dentist appointment. Meanwhile, the investigation revealed she hadn’t taken any official steps to adopt the boy and had been denied permission to take him from the academy.
Phone Ping Leads to Breakthrough
The turning point came when detectives traced the boy’s phone to Venice, a coastal town 30 miles northwest of Punta Gorda—coincidentally, the same place Novelli said she was visiting her dentist.
After contacting dental offices in the area, deputies from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office found the teen in Novelli’s car in a parking lot. Both were taken into custody on the spot.
The boy told authorities he chose to run away after learning Novelli could no longer visit him at the academy. She had given him a laptop to stay in touch, deepening their connection.
Condo Hideaway Exposed
Further investigation revealed a disturbing setup.
Novelli had arranged for the teen to stay in a condo, where she visited him regularly. She supplied him with alcohol, cigarettes, and a marijuana vape pen, and the two reportedly drank together.
They even used a secret code word to coordinate her visits. While no evidence suggests a physical relationship, the boy confirmed this to detectives.
Arrest and Aftermath
Novelli faces charges of interfering with a minor’s custody and contributing to delinquency. Arrested on February 13, she posted bail the next day.
Authorities emphasized the harm caused by her actions, noting the already difficult lives of youth at the academy. The Charlotte County Sheriff remarked that complicating their struggles with such behavior was far from nurturing and only added to their challenges.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Florida
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
