Key Largo man accused of taking runaways to motel

Deputies: Girls claim Ricky Atkins, 27, used them for prostitution

KEY LARGO, Fla. – A 27-year-old man from Key Largo was arrested after taking two girls who ran away from a children's shelter to a motel in Cutler Ridge, authorities said.

Ricky Atkins is charged with two counts of interference with custody, a third-degree felony.

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Monroe County Sheriff's Office deputies said one of the girls called the Sheriff's Office on Sept. 1 and said she and another girl were taken to the motel by Atkins to be used for prostitution. She told deputies that they witnessed other crimes taking place at the motel as well.

The two runaways, who were reported missing Aug. 15, were found in Sarasota County and were returned to the custody of the Florida Keys Children's Shelter.

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About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.