An undocumented migrant has been charged with attempting to kidnap a teenage girl from a grocery store on New Year's Eve in Holtville, Alabama.
Sheriff Bill Franklin confirmed that 31-year-old Centeno-Melchor was taken into custody on Friday, WSPA reported.
Centeno-Melchor—who has previously been deported from the United States five times—is charged with second-degree attempted kidnapping and appeared in court Monday, where a judge set his bail at $100,000 cash.
According to 19th Circuit District Attorney CJ Robinson, the charge of attempted kidnapping is not eligible for bail denial under Alabama's "Aniah's Law," which only applies to specific violent crimes, including kidnapping.
Centeno-Melchor, who currently has a Wetumpka address, remains in custody. The sheriff's office has not released additional details about the attempted abduction, but the investigation is ongoing.
Originally published by Latin Times.
