FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida kidnapping investigation that began with a concerned citizen reporting suspicious activity has ended with a 30-year prison sentence for 61-year-old Darnell Hairston.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said Hairston was sentenced Wednesday after pleading no contest last month to kidnapping a child under 13, aggravated child abuse, battery by strangulation, robbery with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest.
He was adjudicated guilty.
The case began on Dec. 31, 2025, when deputies received information about Hairston, a registered sex offender, traveling with two juveniles. One of those children had reportedly been missing for three days.
The tip ultimately led deputies to Hairston’s pickup truck on U.S. Highway 1 near Palm Coast Parkway.
Traffic Stop Quickly Turns Into Arrest
When deputies stopped Hairston’s truck, which had a camper topper attached, investigators said he rolled down the window and extended both arms outside.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Hairston appeared anxious and unable to remain still.
One of the juveniles also appeared nervous, prompting deputies to remove the boy from the truck so they could speak with him away from Hairston.
While deputies were talking with the child, Hairston allegedly attempted to run away. He slipped and fell on the roadway, and a deputy moved to restrain him.
Authorities said Hairston then allegedly tried to take the deputy’s firearm while they struggled on the ground. Other deputies intervened, and Hairston was taken into custody. Meanwhile, the other juvenile allegedly drove away in the pickup truck. Authorities later arrested that juvenile as well.
11-Year-Old Describes Terrifying Ordeal
Detectives then spoke with the 11-year-old boy, who investigators said was clearly traumatized and frightened. The child told authorities that he had been kidnapped after being lured to a campsite.
According to investigators, Hairston allegedly choked the boy until he lost consciousness. When the child regained consciousness, he was allegedly threatened with a gun and a knife.
Investigators said Hairston then tied the boy using shoelaces and an extension cord and covered his mouth with duct tape. The boy told detectives he had been held at the campsite for multiple days.
When Hairston drove, investigators said the child was forced to lie on the floorboard of the truck while covered with a blanket. The allegations painted a disturbing picture of how the child was allegedly kept hidden while Hairston continued traveling.
Evidence Found During Investigation
Investigators searched Hairston’s vehicle, home and campsite as part of the investigation.
Authorities said they recovered several items that were consistent with the boy’s account, including duct tape, video surveillance equipment and weapons.
Investigators also interviewed Hairston after reading him his Miranda rights.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Hairston admitted that he knew the boy was missing but never contacted law enforcement.
Authorities also noted that Hairston had prior convictions listed on Florida’s sex offender registry, including lewd and lascivious behavior involving a child under 16 and false imprisonment.
Sheriff Praises Citizen Who Spoke Up
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly praised the person who noticed something suspicious and contacted authorities.
“This was one of the most successful ‘See Something, Say Something’ cases we’ve ever had — it led to the recovery of a missing child and the next three decades behind bars for the sex offender that was responsible,” Staly stated.
He added that the case is not completely over because the alleged co-conspirator’s prosecution is still pending. Staly also commended the citizen, investigators and prosecutors involved in bringing the case forward.
The alleged co-conspirator, Junior Bishop, was 15 at the time and is being prosecuted as an adult. His next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 23.
Co-Conspirator’s Case Remains Pending
While Hairston’s sentencing brings a major development in the case, authorities say the legal process involving Bishop is still underway.
The investigation and prosecution have highlighted how an apparently suspicious situation reported by a member of the public ultimately helped authorities locate a missing child and uncover the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
For now, Hairston will spend the next 30 years in prison, while the case against his alleged co-conspirator continues through the courts.
What do you think about the citizen who reported the suspicious activity and helped authorities find the missing child? Share your thoughts in the comments.
