In a shocking turn of events, new details have emerged about the past of Craig Nelson Ross Jr., the man accused of kidnapping 9-year-old Charlotte Sena. Ross, 46, had previously been arrested in 2017 on charges of choking someone during a domestic incident, according to police records cited by NBC. During the altercation, Ross allegedly applied pressure to the victim's throat, leading to his arrest. Although no further details about the incident were revealed, Ross was charged with "criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation," a misdemeanor offense in New York.

Court records indicate that Ross was released on his own recognizance after being arraigned at the Moreau Town Justice Court, just four miles from Moreau Lake State Park where Sena was kidnapped. However, this time, Ross faces a more serious charge of first-degree kidnapping, which has resulted in him being held in custody without bail. Despite being confronted by investigators, Ross has refused to cooperate, invoking his Fifth Amendment right to silence. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Further charges against Ross are expected to be filed in the coming days, according to a spokesperson for the New York State Police. The breakthrough in the case came when investigators discovered a fingerprint on a ransom note left by Ross at Sena's family home, which matched a print in a state database from his 1999 arrest for driving under the influence. This crucial evidence allowed authorities to track down Ross and ultimately led to Sena's safe recovery.

During a news conference, New York Governor Kathy Hochul revealed that Ross had hand-delivered the ransom note to Sena's family home, which was under surveillance by state law enforcement. State troopers spotted Ross's truck at the scene but failed to follow it and make an arrest. However, a forensics team later matched the fingerprint on the note to Ross, rectifying the earlier mistake made by law enforcement.

Ross's mother, who resides in a trailer in Ballston Spa, where Ross was eventually found, has been interviewed by police to determine if she had any knowledge of the abduction. Authorities have not yet determined whether she will face charges. Ross's family members, on the other hand, have publicly condemned him. His son, Joshua, expressed his disgust with his father to a TMZ cameraman, stating that he wants nothing to do with him and couldn't care less if he died tomorrow.

While the motive behind the kidnapping remains unknown, Colonel Richard Allen speculated that Ross may have acted on a whim, possibly viewing it as a "crime of opportunity." He described Ross as someone who had a troubled life and numerous personal issues. However, investigators are continuing to pursue the case in hopes that Ross will reveal his motive.

Neighbors of Ross described him as a recluse who suffered from multiple sclerosis. They revealed that he had moved onto his mother's property due to his deteriorating condition and inability to make payments on his previous home. Ross's former property, where he cared for his 11-year-old daughter part-time, is located less than two miles from Sena's family home. Despite his reclusive nature, neighbors were shocked to learn of Ross's alleged involvement in the kidnapping.

As the investigation continues, police are expected to question Ross extensively to uncover any potential connections to the Sena family and to determine if he has a history of pedophilia. They will also be speaking with his family and friends to gather more information about his character and whereabouts. In addition, his DNA will be compared to a database of child abduction cases to determine if he has any previous involvement in such crimes.

The exact circumstances leading up to the kidnapping remain unclear. It is uncertain whether Ross specifically targeted Charlotte Sena or if he seized the opportunity when she was briefly alone while riding her bike through Moreau Lake State Park. Governor Hochul highlighted the critical role that Ross's fingerprints played in solving the case, emphasizing that they were the first solid piece of evidence obtained by investigators.

As Ross awaits further charges, he is being held in Saratoga County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court later this week. The community remains in shock, grappling with the unsettling revelation that their quiet neighbor could be involved in such a heinous crime. The focus now shifts to uncovering Ross's motives and ensuring justice for Charlotte Sena and her family.