Flagler County, Florida – A judge has denied bond for a registered sex offender accused of kidnapping and torturing an 11-year-old boy, following a disturbing case that authorities say unfolded over several days in rural Flagler County.
Court Denies Bond in Child Kidnapping Case
Darnell Hairston, 60, of Hastings, appeared in court on Sunday, where a judge ordered that he be held without bond. Hairston faces multiple felony charges, including kidnapping a child under 13, aggravated child abuse, battery by strangulation, and robbery with a deadly weapon, according to investigators.
Hairston was arrested after what deputies described as a routine traffic stop unexpectedly led to the rescue of the missing child on December 31.
Traffic Stop Leads to Rescue of Missing Child
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped a white Ford F-150 on U.S. Highway 1 near Whiteview Drive in Bunnell after receiving a call reporting suspicious activity.
Inside the vehicle were Hairston and two juveniles, authorities said.
Once deputies separated Hairston from the 11-year-old boy, the child immediately told officers that he had been kidnapped, was in danger, and feared for his life, investigators said. The boy had been reported missing for three days and was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.
Child Describes Chilling Ordeal
Investigators say the child provided a harrowing account of what happened after Hairston allegedly lured him to a wooded campsite in Flagler Estates.
According to deputies, the boy said he was:
- Choked until unconscious
- Threatened with a knife and a firearm
- Bound with shoelaces and an extension cord
- Gagged with duct tape
Authorities said the child was held for multiple days and was forced to hide on the floorboard of Hairston’s truck, covered with a blanket, while being transported to avoid detection.
Teenager Flees, Crashes During Traffic Stop
Also inside the truck was a 15-year-old boy, who investigators said fled from deputies during the traffic stop. Authorities reported that the teen rammed a patrol vehicle before crashing.
The teenager now faces multiple charges and is currently in the custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Investigators say he is being examined as a possible co-conspirator in the case.
Snapchat Messages Raise Alarming Red Flags
According to the arrest report, the 11-year-old victim and the 15-year-old were part of a Snapchat group chat, where the younger child had reportedly warned others that Hairston was a sexual predator.
Authorities believe these communications may be significant to the ongoing investigation.
Possible Link to Separate Sexual Assault Case
Rick Staly, Sheriff of Flagler County, said investigators are examining whether the case is connected to a separate sexual assault investigation involving Hairston in neighboring St. Johns County.
“It appears they concocted a plan to lure the 11-year-old to this rural area and then kidnap him,” Staly said. “What they were going to do after that, we don’t know.”
Evidence Recovered From Multiple Locations
Following Hairston’s arrest, investigators executed search warrants on:
- Hairston’s vehicle
- His Hastings residence
- The wooded campsite
The searches were conducted with assistance from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said they recovered duct tape, weapons, and video surveillance equipment that investigators say are consistent with the child’s account.
Charges Expanded After Major Case Investigation
Authorities initially arrested Hairston on charges including resisting arrest and attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer. After a major case investigation, prosecutors filed additional and more serious charges related to the alleged kidnapping and abuse.
Sheriff’s officials described the case as one of the most disturbing child abuse investigations they have encountered.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Warning
Investigators say the case remains active, and additional charges are possible as evidence continues to be reviewed. Authorities are also urging parents to monitor children’s online activity, particularly on social media platforms where offenders may attempt to make contact.
Anyone with information related to Hairston or similar incidents is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
Conclusion
The denial of bond ensures that Darnell Hairston will remain behind bars as the investigation proceeds. Authorities credit quick action by deputies during a routine traffic stop for preventing further harm and safely rescuing the child.
The case has sent shockwaves through Flagler County, underscoring the importance of vigilance, community reporting, and online safety awareness.
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