Man charged in kidnapping of missing Kentucky teen appears in Maryland court

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The man charged in the kidnapping of a Kentucky teenager reported missing for months appeared in a Maryland courtroom earlier Monday.

During a brief court hearing, the public defender for 37-year-old Christian Delgado told the judge that while the charge is kidnapping, he views the case as custodial interference.

Delgado appeared by video link from jail and addressed the court directly, calling the case “a huge misunderstanding.” He asked the judge to release him so he could help his attorney prepare his defense and then turn himself in to authorities in Kentucky.

The judge denied that request and ordered Delgado held without bond as he awaits extradition to Kentucky.

Delgado was arrested Friday at his home in Wheaton, Maryland. He is charged with kidnapping 13-year-old Wynter Wagoner, who was reported missing from a foster home in rural Rockcastle County, Kentucky, in October.

The Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office had been issuing alerts and searching for Wagoner with assistance from the FBI. Montgomery County police say she was found with Delgado after investigators received a tip.

Delgado was taken into custody without incident. Police say Wagoner was taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation.

In a statement, the girl’s aunt thanked those who helped spread the word about Wagoner’s disappearance and said the family is blessed “beyond measure” that she is safe.