Cops search for missing teen

DELAND, Fla. (WOFL, FOX 35) - The Volusia County Sheriffs Office is seeking the publics help in locating a 17-year-old DeLand girl who fled with her 2-month-old child after the teen learned that a judge had ordered the baby into state custody.  The child has since been located and is unharmed after being left with a relative.

Kayla Bellantoni is facing felony charges of being an accessory to armed robbery and aggravated battery with a firearm.   The criminal case against Bellantoni is working its way through the courts where prosecutors have decided to charge the girl as an adult.

On August 4, a warrant was issued for Bellantonis arrest after she failed multiple drug tests that were a required as part of her pre-trial conditions. Meanwhile, the State Department of Children & Families has obtained an order to take custody of Bellantonis baby son, Gene Cuddy.

But before the state could step in, someone apparently tipped off Bellantoni. The teen called DCF on August 2 and agreed to come in the next day. But she never showed up and is now believed to be on the run with the baby. All attempts by authorities to locate her have been unsuccessful.

Bellantonis last known address was 327 S. Virginia Ave. in DeLand. Shes five foot one inches tall and weighs approximately 135 pounds and has brown hair, brown eyes and a scar on her right hand.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Sheriff's Office or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, at (888) 277-TIPS. Resident can also text a tip by texting TIP231 plus the message to CRIMES.

Tipsters who provide information to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000. Anyone who prefers to talk directly to a deputy can call Sheriffs investigator Todd Raible at (386) 943-7866. However, only callers to Crime Stoppers will qualify for a reward.