Formal charges filed against man accused of kidnapping, molesting Phoenix girl on Christmas

Suspect charged with molesting young Phoenix girl

PHOENIX — Arizona authorities say formal charges have been filed against a man accused of kidnapping and molesting a 5-year-old Phoenix girl on Christmas Day.

Maricopa County prosecutors say the criminal complaint filed Tuesday charges 45-year-old Larry Jon Ladwig with kidnapping, child abuse and molestation, aggravated assault, drug possession and unlawful flight from a law enforcement vehicle. It remained unclear Wednesday whether Ladwig has a lawyer.

The girl was rescued Friday evening, more than seven hours after police believe Ladwig kidnapped her while she was playing outside a Phoenix apartment building. Ladwig was arrested and jailed early Saturday.

Police say the girl is doing well and have called her rescue a “Christmas miracle.”