Missing Lee County teen found in Richmond, KY; Man charged with sexual crimes and kidnapping
A missing Lee County teen was found more than 7 hours away in Kentucky. A man is now charged in connection to the case.
A 14 year old female juvenile was reported missing from her residence located in the 400 block of Lee Rd. 213 in the Phenix City area of Lee County on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. “Investigators were able to confirm that the juvenile left her residence sometime during the early morning hours on July 25th and was believed to be with an unknown male that she had been chatting with on social media,” the sheriff’s office said,
Investigators received information from family members that the juvenile had been chatting online with a male subject named Arnold Carpenter. The profile picture of male appeared to be a teenage boy.
Richmond police received information that a kidnapped juvenile from Alabama was possibly in their city on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Lee County investigators, family members of the missing teen, as well as Richmond detectives worked closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and recovered the youth at a local fast food restaurant with the suspect.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody and identified as 43-year-old Glendon Carpenter of Richmond.
The juvenile, who was recovered, is now safe and is in the custody of the Kentucky Department of Human Resources at this time, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office added.
Based on the statements and evidence obtained during the investigation, Mr. Carpenter was arrested and charged with Kidnapping, Rape 2nd Degree, and Sexual Abuse 1st Degree.
Mr. Carpenter was lodged in the Madison County Detention Center. “The investigation is ongoing and may result in additional charges,” police say. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867)
Related stories
CrimeOPD: Police investigating shooting in Opelika; road closed
Crime & SafetyPhenix City Police Department shares Halloween safety tips, recommends trick-or-treating hours
Crime & SafetyBREAKING: Missing Chambers County woman found dead after weeklong search
Crime & SafetyHeavy law enforcement presence reported on Lee Road 598 in Phenix City
LocalFire crews responding to reported structure fire on Kent Ave. in Phenix City