KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The man accused of raping 13-year-old Madeline Soto has pleaded guilty.
Monday’s plea deal was approved by the court one day before Stephan Sterns’ sex crimes trial was scheduled to begin. The plea covers the sex crimes and the murder charge, which would have been handled in a separate trial.
Sterns pleaded guilty to sex crimes and no contest to murder.
The judge accepted both pleas.
State attorney Monique Worrell said the plea carries 21 concurrent life sentences. Sterns could have faced the death penalty if the cases had gone to trial.
Worrell’s full statement reads:
“I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Soto family and everyone who loved Madeline. Her life was stolen in a senseless act of violence, and the pain of that loss is immeasurable. While nothing we do can bring Madeline back, I hope her family finds some measure of peace knowing that justice has been served. The individual responsible has been sentenced to 21 concurrent life sentences and will never walk free again. He has also waived all of his rights to appeal, ensuring finality and sparing the family from reliving this trauma in courtrooms for years to come. Our office conducted a meticulous review of this case, and every step we took was in close consultation with Madeline’s family. This outcome reflects their wishes. It holds the accused fully accountable, while also protecting the family from further anguish. We remain committed to seeking justice in a way that centers victims and honors the lives that are taken far too soon.”
Prosecutors say Sterns repeatedly raped Madeline, then killed her.
Sterns, who was dating Madeline’s mother, faced 60 counts related to alleged videos and photos of him sexually abusing Soto. The evidence was found on Sterns’ phone shortly after she went missing.
Investigators said he was arrested after the files were discovered, and he became the primary suspect in her murder when her body was found.
The defense unsuccessfully tried several times to appeal the case and exclude certain evidence.
Some of Madeline’s relatives are reportedly in favor of Sterns accepting a plea deal, which had been under negotiation since last week.
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