Brazoria County sheriff's deputies say Elizabeth Catherine Smith, 13, was reported missing on Tuesday, and an Amber Alert was issued. She was believed to have gone with a man she met online.
Deputies say Jose Ponce, 38, returned the girl safely to her aunt's house at about 2:30am.
After interviewing the girl, authorities charged Ponce with aggravated kidnapping and enticing a child with intent to commit a felony. Ponce was arrested at his place of employment on Houston's north side and taken to the Brazoria County Detention Center. He is being held on $350,000 bond.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities suggest more charges may be likely.
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