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Universal suspect released from jail

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A 23-year-old man accused of trying to kidnap a girl at Universal Studios Orlando left the Orange County Jail on Wednesday evening.

Shortly before 9 p.m., Jason Mikel walked out of jail, met his family and left.

Earlier Wednesday, a judge said prosecutors didn't have enough evidence to hold Mikel without bail on a kidnapping charge. He was released on his own recognizance.

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Mikel said he had no comment while leaving jail.

His mother, Kimberly Mikel, said she is angry that her son spent several days in jail.

"We feel (that this was) unfair for him, that this shouldn't have happened," she said. "It's been emotional for all of us and all the kids."

Kimberly Mikel said her son was visiting Orlando from Illinois for the holidays with a dozen family members, including five children.

He is accused of touching a 9-year-old girl on her shoulders near the lockers of the theme park's Hogwarts attraction.

A witness told detectives that she heard him tell the girl her, "mommy was over here."

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The girl became frightened and told her mother someone tried to grab her.

Jason Mikel was also charged with possession of marijuana and battery.

Kimberly Mikel said she stands by her son.

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"My son, Jason Mikel, is not a danger," she said. "He's not a danger to anybody. He's very loving."

The state attorney's office must decide whether it will pursue charges against him.

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