Press Releases

Carlos Arias
Nov. 8, 2008

A Bonita Springs family has seemingly dropped off the map – and they’re most likely in the custody of a stepfather, who is accused of raping one of them.

“He’s a sexual predator of little children. He’s the worst type of criminal out there," said Detective Brian Foell of the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Carlos Arias is one of Lee County’s most wanted criminals – accused of raping his 10 year old stepdaughter while mom was out of the house. He was a construction worker in Bonita Springs, who literally walked off the jobsite and disappeared into his new life as a fugitive when his wife tipped him off that detectives were looking for him.

The victim in this case is a very young girl – only 10 years old. But when she finally found the strength and courage to tell an adult about what happened, Adilaida Arias ran to the defense of her husband – not her child - flat out calling her daughter a liar. What’s worse, is that Adilaida snuck Carlos back in the house to spend the night – the same house where her young daughter was sleeping.

“It was quite obvious that she loved her new husband over her own daughter – her own flesh and blood. I can only imagine how she felt when her mother let the person who raped her back into the house," Foell said.

Those actions landed Adilaida Arias behind bars for failing to protect her daughter. She was soon released from jail, and moved to Collier County with the victim and several other children - and possibly Carlos Arias. Shortly thereafter, the entire family suddenly disappeared.

Several months had passed, but a bail bondsman finally tracked Adilaida Arias to a small town in Texas, near the Mexican border. She was arrested just days after giving birth to Carlos Arias’ child, and brought back here to Lee County where she was jailed, and then released. But Carlos Arias is still on the run – a remaining danger to a young girl who may still be under his supervision.

“We do not know where the kids are. Hopefully they’re safe this time," Foell said.

And not in the hands of Carlos Arias.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Carlos Arias is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org.