Man Arrested on Felony Charges After Luring 13-Year-Old Runaway from Alabama to Valdosta
VALDOSTA, Ga.—A joint investigation between the Valdosta Police Department (VPD) and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office has led to the arrest of a 44-year-old man who allegedly posed as a teenager on social media to lure a 13-year-old girl to leave her home in Alabama.
On October 9, 2025, VPD Detectives, following a lead from Mobile County authorities, located and arrested Scott Daniel Davis, 44, at his residence in the 900 block of Pine Cone Circle.
Case Details
- Disappearance: The 13-year-old female was reported missing from Mobile County, Alabama, after being seen getting into a vehicle on Monday, October 6, 2025. Her mother informed authorities the girl had been communicating with a male on social media who was misrepresenting his age.
- The Lure: VPD Detectives determined that Davis had been communicating with the victim for months, claiming to be 15 years old and subsequently turning 16. The victim believed she was in a relationship with a peer.
- Location and Recovery: Alabama detectives identified a vehicle matching the description and traced the license plate to Davis’s residence. When VPD arrived, Davis and the missing juvenile were found in the backyard. The juvenile’s appearance had been modified, with her hair cut and color changed.
- Concealment: The victim told detectives that Davis drove her from Mobile to Valdosta, where they stayed at a hotel before moving to his house on Tuesday. Davis reportedly had a tent set up in a secluded wooded area of his backyard where he told the victim to stay during the day, making her believe he was hiding her from his mother. Davis allegedly kept the juvenile away from all other family members.
- Alleged Crimes: Between Monday evening and Thursday evening, Davis is alleged to have engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with the 13-year-old on multiple occasions.
Charges and Investigation
Davis was transported to the Lowndes County Jail and charged with multiple felonies, including:
- 2 counts of Aggravated Child Molestation
- Aggravated Sexual Battery
- Interstate Interference with Child Custody
- Child Molestation
Detectives executed a search warrant and seized several computer hard drives, numerous firearms, and other evidence, which will be processed for additional charges. The victim has been safely reunited with her mother.
“This case is extremely disturbing, and our department will be diligent to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted,” said Chief Leslie Manahan. “We are committed to protecting children and holding offenders accountable for crimes against them.”
