Guadalupe County investigators safely recovered a missing juvenile in Kaufman County on Monday and arrested an 18-year-old Forney man on arrest warrants tied to the investigation, according to the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office said authorities reunited the girl with her family. Investigators, with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, located the juvenile and arrested Blake D. Teal, 18, of Forney.
Juvenile reported missing in July
Deputies responded July 22 to a report of a missing runaway juvenile from the 100 block of Hancock Lane in New Braunfels.
Family members told investigators that the girl had disappeared overnight and had recently met an adult male online.
Investigators used subpoenas and search warrants for social media accounts to identify Teal as the adult male. Surveillance video showed the juvenile and Teal together at a pawn shop in the New Braunfels area several days after her disappearance, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators then secured arrest warrants alleging sexual assault of a child and harboring a runaway. They also secured additional search warrants for social media accounts connected to the investigation.
Investigators recover juvenile in Kaufman County
On August 31, investigators located the juvenile in Kaufman County and safely recovered her. They also located and arrested Teal that day.
Officials booked Teal into the Kaufman County Adult Detention Center, where he remained as of September 1 pending his return to Guadalupe County.
The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing.
Sheriff warns of online dangers
Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray said the case highlights the dangers children can face online.
“This case is a sobering reminder of the dangers our children can face online,” Ray said. “Predators who exploit and prey on our kids will be found, and they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Ray also praised investigators for their work bringing the juvenile home safely. The Sheriff’s Office credited the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division with assisting investigators.
Provided by Dallas Express
