Posted on: August 23, 2023 02:00 PM

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Mother and friend arrested in Jackson Heights after child went missing

Police reported a 5 year old was missing on Tuesday around 9am in Jackson Heights. By 4:30pm, the child was located by a good samaritan after identifying from the missing child’s photo by flagging down the police vehicle.

The child was with a male, 75, identified as Franz Villa, 75 of Manhattan.

Police arrested Villa and charged with kidnapping the child. Earlier report stated the mother knew Villa. 

After investigation, police also arrested the child’s mother identified as Kimberly Pijuan, 30. 

The child wanted to go to the park but the mother refused. Then ran into Villa who is known to Pijuan and agreed with Villa to take the child to the park.

Today, Villa was hit with additional charges of unlawful imprisonment, acting in a manner injurious to a child, criminal sex act with a victim under 11, and abuse with sexual motive. Pijuan is charged with acting in a manner injurious to the child despite calling 911 at 1pm of her daughter missing. 

The investigation continues.