Craig Ross Jr. pleads guilty to kidnapping and predatory sexual assault

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Craig Ross Jr., 46, appeared in court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to first-degree kidnapping and predatory sexual assault against a child. With the plea deal, the case will no longer go to trial, which could have forced the victim to testify.

Ross is accused of kidnapping a 9-year-old girl in late September while she was riding her bike not far from her family in Moreau Lake State Park. Her disappearance prompted an amber alert that lasted over the course of two days.

Police found the victim inside a trailer on Ross' mother's property. They were able to identify Ross via a fingerprint taken from a ransom note left at the victim's home.

Ross last appeared in court on February 1. At that time, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Buckley said they had a voluminous amount of discovery, including over 2,000 photos, hundreds of body camera and surveillance videos, emails, radio transmissions, and witnesses they’re ready to present.

Ross was remanded to the Saratoga County Jail. He is facing 47 years to life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for April 17.