Pennsylvania Teen Found in North Carolina; Man Faces Over 30 Charges in Kidnapping and Sexual Exploitation Case

High Point Man Arrested After Missing Teen Located Nearly One Year Later

A Pennsylvania teenager who had been missing for nearly a year has been found safe after police located her in North Carolina with a 32-year-old man now facing more than 30 criminal charges. Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Rossomando, who was arrested at a residence on Treyburn Lane in High Point and remains in custody without bond.

According to the High Point Police Department, Rossomando faces an extensive list of charges, including kidnapping, human trafficking, sexual exploitation of a minor, statutory rape, and sexual servitude of a child victim. Investigators believe the teenager was lured across state lines and held against her will for an extended period.

The case, which began as a missing persons investigation in Pennsylvania, has since expanded into a multi-state criminal probe involving federal and local authorities.

Charges Highlight Scope of Exploitation and Abuse

Police say Rossomando’s charges are both extensive and severe. He faces:

• Seven counts of statutory rape of a child under 15

• Seven counts of statutory sex offense with a child under 15

• Felony human trafficking of a child victim

• Felony sexual servitude of a child victim

• Multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor

• Felony first-degree kidnapping

• Felony dissemination of obscene material to a minor

• Contributing to the delinquency of a minor

The latest update, issued on September 22, includes six additional counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of felony dissemination of obscene material to a child under 16. Investigators previously filed similar charges in July, and the total number of offenses now exceeds 30 separate counts.

Rossomando remains held in Guilford County Jail without bond. The investigation continues, with law enforcement agencies from both North Carolina and Pennsylvania working together to determine how the teenager was transported and the extent of her victimization.

Nearly a Year Missing Before Discovery

Authorities say the victim, a 15-year-old girl from Pennsylvania, had been missing for nearly 12 months before she was discovered in June at Rossomando’s home. Officers arrested the suspect immediately upon locating the teen, who has since been reunited with her family and is receiving trauma-informed support services.

Investigators have not released details about how Rossomando and the victim met, but they believe online communication played a role in the initial contact. Law enforcement officials continue to warn parents and guardians about the dangers of online exploitation and predatory behavior targeting vulnerable youth.

Law Enforcement Condemns Exploitation of Children

The High Point Police Department described the case as “deeply disturbing” and emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting children from sexual exploitation and trafficking. Officers have credited the joint efforts of the Pennsylvania authorities and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) for providing crucial leads that helped locate the missing teen.

While investigations are ongoing, officials have called the case a stark reminder of how predators use manipulation, coercion, and technology to exploit minors. They encourage anyone who suspects child exploitation or trafficking to report it immediately to law enforcement or the NCMEC tip line.

Broader Context of Child Trafficking and Online Exploitation

The Rossomando case adds to a troubling rise in child exploitation and human trafficking cases across the U.S. In recent years, Pennsylvania has seen an increase in reported trafficking incidents involving minors who were lured through social media platforms, online gaming sites, and chat applications.

Victims are often groomed with attention, gifts, or promises of affection, only to find themselves trapped in cycles of abuse and isolation. Many cases involve sexual coercion, exploitation for explicit images, and physical confinement.

Advocates stress the importance of early intervention, parent awareness, and access to legal and mental health support for victims of trafficking and sexual violence.

Legal Support and Justice for Survivors in Pennsylvania

For survivors of child sexual exploitation and human trafficking, pursuing justice requires both courage and professional support. Ashley DiLiberto, Esq., of Survivors of Abuse PA, represents victims of sexual abuse and exploitation across Pennsylvania, providing compassionate and confidential legal advocacy.

Her firm works tirelessly to help survivors hold their abusers—and any negligent institutions—accountable. Through civil litigation, survivors may seek compensation for emotional distress, medical expenses, lost opportunities, and other damages stemming from abuse.

Attorney DiLiberto’s trauma-informed approach ensures that survivors are treated with dignity throughout the legal process. She emphasizes that justice is not only about punishment for offenders but also about empowerment and healing for survivors.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, exploitation, or trafficking, confidential help is available. Reach out to Survivors of Abuse PA to learn more about your rights and options for justice.

Source:

https://www.wxii12.com/article/high-point-30-charges-pennsylvania-teen-nc/68006148