In a concerning incident in Punta Gorda, Florida, a 61-year-old woman named Sherry J. Novelli has been arrested for allegedly harboring a missing teenage boy from a local group home. Novelli faces charges of interfering with the custody of a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Incident Overview

On February 10, 2025, deputies from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a missing teenage boy from Crossroads Hope Academy, a group home for at-risk youth. The teenager had permission to visit South County Park but was not present when staff arrived to pick him up.

Novelli’s Involvement

Investigations revealed that Sherry J. Novelli, a former volunteer at Crossroads Hope Academy, had been attempting to adopt the teenager. However, due to unspecified concerns, she was asked to cease contact with him and leave the facility. Despite this directive, Novelli admitted to deputies that she had recently met the boy at South County Park to provide him with food.

Further Investigations

A deeper probe uncovered that Novelli had purchased a cellphone for the teenager, provided service for it, and even opened a bank account in his name. When questioned about the boy’s whereabouts, she denied knowledge but suggested he might be in Tampa. Novelli also inquired about the efforts being made to locate him.

Additionally, Novelli had visited the Sheriff’s Office, seeking to remove the teen from Crossroads for homeschooling and employment purposes. She was informed that, lacking legal guardianship, she had no authority to make such decisions.

Discovery and Arrest

The investigation took a turn when authorities traced the teenager’s cellphone to Venice, Florida, coinciding with Novelli’s dental appointment in the area. Deputies from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office located the boy in Novelli’s car in the dental office parking lot. Both were taken into custody.

Sheriff’s Statement

Sheriff Bill Prummell commented on the situation, stating, “Youth enrolled at Crossroads Hope Academy have already faced significant challenges. To further complicate their lives is not a ‘motherly’ act; it only causes additional harm.”

Teenager’s Account

The teenager disclosed that he had planned to run away after learning that Novelli was prohibited from contacting him at Crossroads. He revealed that Novelli had arranged for him to stay in a condominium, providing him with alcohol, cigarettes, and a marijuana vape pen. She also supplied him with a laptop for communication purposes. The teen emphasized that there was no sexual relationship between them.

Legal Proceedings

Novelli confessed to her actions during an interview with detectives. She was arrested and charged with interference with child custody and contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child. Following her arrest, she was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and has since been released on bond.

Community Implications

This incident underscores the vulnerabilities of at-risk youth and the importance of adhering to legal protocols in matters of adoption and guardianship. While intentions may be well-meaning, circumventing established procedures can lead to legal consequences and further emotional distress for the children involved.

The case of Sherry J. Novelli serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the care and custody of at-risk youth. It highlights the necessity for clear boundaries and adherence to legal guidelines to protect the well-being of vulnerable children.