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Local Parents Speak Out After Texas Girl Goes Missing

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The parents of a Washington County girl allegedly victimized by a man she met online are now working with police in Dallas, Texas after another 14-year-old girl went missing.

Authorities believe the same man is responsible.

Stephan Cox, 26, was free on bond, awaiting trial on sex charges.

Police say he took another victim, 14-year-old Ruby Contreras from Dallas.

They believe Cox also lured her after meeting online.

They found both Cox, and Contreras in Mexico.

KDKA typically does not identify victims of sex crimes, but the family of 14-year-old Sharon Hernandez says it wants to raise awareness.

Hernandez took her mother's car in January and drove to Columbus to meet Cox, whom police believe may be involved in human trafficking.

Hernandez's mother, Nancy Terrell, told KDKA's Kym Gable, "We knew what he was doing. We tried to express that to the prosecutor and the judge let us down."

Cox is charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. He was awaiting trial and allegedly cut off his ankle monitor and fled to Texas.

"We don't know whether he might come back and try to get my daughter," Terrell said. "So now we are concerned for our family's welfare and safety."

Terrell says she has spoken to Texas investigators, trying to provide them with information to help the case.

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