JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 41-year-old Jacksonville man was convicted recently on charges of child abuse and kidnapping.
In March 2011, Adriano Reis, who was friends with the victim's family, was visiting the child's home when he decided to kidnap the 2-year-old.
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Reis took the child to a nearby vacant home, where he abused her. When the girl's family realized the child was missing, they searched the area. A short time later, Reis was seen carrying the girl from the vacant house in the neighborhood. She was found with visible injuries to her head and back.
Reis, a Brazilian national, immediately fled the area and returned to Brazil. He then sent an email to the child's parents claiming that he left the home because he needed a "smoke break" and decided to take the victim because "he liked to watch her sleep."
Reis faces up to life in prison. He will be sentenced the week of Dec. 2.