The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has solved a 1989 kidnapping and sexual battery case after investigators tracked the suspect to the Philippines through advances in DNA technology and genetic genealogy research.
Investigators said the case began on November 20, 1989, when a 7-year-old girl was abducted from Tampa Lanes on North Dale Mabry Highway by an adult male who allegedly lured her to his vehicle. Authorities said the child was sexually battered over the course of several hours before being released near Crown Lanes on West Hillsborough Avenue.
During the original investigation, detectives collected biological evidence that produced a viable DNA profile. The DNA profile was entered into the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) in 2005, but no matches were found at the time.
In 2022, advances in DNA technology and grant funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance allowed investigators to resubmit the evidence for additional forensic analysis. Detectives also reopened the investigation, re-interviewing the victim, witnesses, and original responding personnel.
Between 2023 and early 2024, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on additional DNA testing and genetic genealogy research. After nearly 11 months of genealogical analysis, investigators identified 70-year-old Young Tom Talmadge as the suspect. Authorities said Talmadge was living in the Philippines at the time.
In December 2024, Homeland Security Investigations Tampa coordinated with HSI Manila and Philippine law enforcement to locate Talmadge and obtain a DNA sample. In March 2025, forensic testing confirmed the DNA matched evidence collected from the 1989 crime scene.
An arrest warrant was issued on March 21, 2025, charging Talmadge with four counts of sexual battery involving a victim under 12, lewd and lascivious acts on a child, and kidnapping to commit a felony on a child.
Philippine authorities and HSI Manila agents took Talmadge into custody on April 23, 2025, and initiated deportation proceedings. After legal delays, he was returned to the United States in April 2026 and is currently being held at Rikers Island in New York pending extradition to Hillsborough County.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said the case demonstrates the agency’s commitment to pursuing justice regardless of how much time has passed.
SOURCE: HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
