PORTLAND (AP) — The father of a missing Maine toddler whose disappearance drew national attention is facing a charge of domestic violence assault.

WCSH-TV (http://on.wcsh6.com/18gjmEs ) reports that Justin DiPietro was arrested shortly after midnight July 7 after police were called to a home on Spring Street in Portland. Police did not release information about the victim.

DiPietro’s 20-month-old daughter, Ayla Reynolds, hasn’t been seen since she was reported missing Dec. 17, 2011, from DiPietro’s mother’s home in Waterville, where DiPietro lived at the time.

State police have called the case the biggest criminal investigation in Maine history.

DiPietro could not be reached for comment. His previous cellphone number is no longer in service, and a new number in his name could not be located.


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