Suspect in Muscatine girl’s disappearance will likey face federal charges

An Assistant Muscatine County Attorney said today the subject in the investigation of the disappearance of Rosario “Rosie” Orr, of Muscatine, would likely face charges in the federal courts system.

Assistant Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren said in a statement this morning that charges against Justin David Carter would carry heavier penalties in the federal system. Ostergren's statement came after a discussion with the U.S. Attorney's office for the Southern District of Iowa.

“There are two offenses under Iowa law which would potentially apply to charging Carter,” Ostergren said. “We could charge him with child stealing and with enticing a minor. Each offense is punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed 10 years. The potential federal charges carry substantially higher maximum terms and are more appropriate under the facts of the case. We believe that prosecution of Carter in federal court makes the most sense.”

Carter has not yet been charged in connection with Orr's disappearance. He was taken into custody in Jacksonville, Fla., on drug charges.