Missing Juvenile Found in Indiana

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A 16-year-old girl who went missing during the Vidalia Onion Festival has been found safe in Elkhart, Indiana.

The Vidalia Police Department received a report regarding a missing juvenile on April 26, which said that 16 year-old Marlee Heasman, of Gibsonton, FL, had been seen leaving the festival’s carnival with an unknown male. The reporter was unsure where the couple was headed.

After receiving tips from the public regarding the male, investigators identified him as 20 yearold Rafael Flores, of Powder Springs, GA. Further investigation into the case helped law enforcement to realize that the couple had traveled to Elkhart, Indiana.

The Elkhart Police Department located the pair and took them into custody on Monday, May 5. Heasman was found safe and is currently awaiting transport home. Flores was arrested and charged with one count of interference with custody (felony) and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor (misdemeanor). He currently is awaiting extradition to Toombs County.

The investigation on this case is still active. If you have any information on this incident, please contact the Investigative Services Division a (912) 537-4123, or Crimestoppers at (912) 386-4480.