The criminal charges against a father of a 3-year-old girl at the center of a bitter custody battle were dropped Monday, his attorney said.
Prosecutors dropped interfering with child custody charges against 22-year-old Samuel Montes during a hearing Monday, his attorney, Michael Grieco said.
Charges were also dismissed against Montes' mother, Zoraida Miller, who was arrested last month on similar charges, Grieco said.
Montes remains behind bars on an immigration hold, which Grieco said he hopes will be lifted by the end of the week.
"The family is grateful that the cases were dismissed," Grieco said. "Sam is one step away from being reunited with his daughter, he's very happy."
The child custody saga began when Montes' daughter, Angelina, was reported missing on March 7, 2011.
The girl's mother, Vanessa Churon, is in Venezuela. Montes and Churon lived in southwest Miami-Dade County with their young daughter until Churon left in February 2011 due to physical and emotional abuse from Montes, police said. Grieco has denied the abuse claims.
Though Churon has custody of the daughter, Miller prevented her from taking her with her, Miami-Dade Police said.
The charge of interfering with child custody against Montes was filed eight days after his daughter was reported missing, and he was later arrested in Pensacola on a warrant.
Grieco said the paternal grandparents had been taking care of the child, and that she was never in any danger and was not harmed. Grieco said the Montes family feared the child would be taken back to Venezuela and said the issue stems from a clash of cultures. He said both parents are of Gypsy descent.
The girl was finally brought before authorities last month by Montes' parents, and Miller was arrested on a charge of interfering with child custody.
The girl is still in the custody of the grandparents, Grieco said.
Grieco said there's a still a pending family court case but said he was glad it was taken out of criminal court.
"The state attorney and her staff saw the light and realized this case didn't belong in a criminal courthouse," Grieco said.
