Action News Exclusive: Ruben Ebron face-to-face interview

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The man at the center of the search for 21-month-old Lonzie Barton agreed to talk to Action News from jail on Monday.

Action News is the only local station to speak with 32-year-old Ruben Ebron face to face. He revealed what he was doing that night and why he doesn't trust the police.

Action News reporter Lorena Inclan wasn't allowed to bring in her camera, notepad or pen, but she spoke with him for several minutes. He said he wants to let the public know he's not a monster or a baby killer.

Ebron remains locked up in the Duval County Jail on two counts of child neglect. Since day one, he's remained firm on his side of the story.

A side Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is calling a flat-out lie.

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He agreed to speak with Inclan face to face. After she introduced herself, he asked if police had found Lonzie, to which she replied no and that the searches are being scaled back.

He made it a point to tell Inclan he's not what police are saying he is and that despite what police are saying, he's been cooperative, allowing them to search his car and apartment, and he even offered to take JSO on the same route he took the night Lonzie disappeared.

As for Lonzie's mom, Lonna Lauramore, he said, "She came to see me."

He also said, "(I) asked her to stay home that night but that she said we needed money, so she went to work."

Throughout the conversation with Inclan , he kept saying he doesn't know where Lonzie is.

Inclan asked, "Is Lonzie OK?"

He replied, "I hope he is."

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