An Enfield man has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting his 12-year-old stepdaughter after the girl was found dead inside her home, according to an arrest warrant. Anthony Federline, 39, faces charges of sexual assault in the first degree and risk of injury to a child.
Police were called to the family’s Enfield home on the morning of March 18 after a report of an unresponsive child. When officers arrived, they found the girl’s mother, her 17-year-old brother, and her stepfather, later identified as Federline, at the residence.
The 12-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the warrant, she was discovered lying on the floor of her bedroom with a blanket covering the lower half of her body. Investigators noted signs that she had been deceased for some time, including “lividity on her face, legs, and arms, and rigor mortis had set in.” Authorities also reported blood and fluids coming from the child’s nose.
Federline told police the girl had several health conditions. He said she had “POTS,” was autistic, and was undergoing evaluation for bipolar disorder, according to the warrant, according to the local NBC.
The child’s mother told investigators she had tried to wake her daughter that morning but became concerned when she did not respond. She said the girl’s bedroom door was locked, so she used a butter knife to open it. After entering the room, she said she found the child face down on the floor.
The mother told police she attempted to turn her daughter over but ran to get her husband for help after seeing her face. A GoFundMe page was started to cover Eve’s funeral expenses.
Investigators found several items inside the room, including two pills near the door, one described as red or pink and another clear capsule containing white powder. A white Aspirin pill was discovered on a desk, while another tablet was located on the bed. Police also noted a laptop open on the bedroom floor displaying what appeared to be a YouTube page.
Before the child’s autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted a sexual assault kit. Swabs taken from the girl’s body later revealed the presence of male DNA. The medical examiner also reported observing signs of vaginal penetration but could not determine who or what caused it.
Investigators collected DNA samples from the child’s mother and siblings, as well as Federline, who agreed to provide a swab. According to the warrant, Federline later said the request felt like he was putting “salt in the wound.”
Testing results indicated that Federline’s DNA was likely present on the child. Officials said the medical examiner is still investigating the cause and manner of the girl’s death while awaiting toxicology results.
Federline had been working as a school bus driver for Enfield Public Schools through Smyth Bus Company. Superintendent Steven Moccio said Federline passed background checks and had no prior criminal history. After his arrest, he was immediately terminated from his job.
“We understand that this news may be unsettling, particularly for those who may recognize the individual,” Moccio said. “Our priority remains supporting our students, staff, and families. Counseling and support services will be available on Monday for anyone who may need them.”
The bus company said Federline had worked as a driver for about six months and confirmed it is cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
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