A Stuart man faces charges in connection to a recent missing child case.

According to the Stuart Police Department, a 13-year-old girl was reported missing at 10:12am on Monday, March 8th. As authorities were looking for her, Police Chief Dave Reha tells Raccoon Valley Radio they received information that the missing girl might be at a residence in the 400 block of North Sherman Street. Officers went to the home of 61-year-old Dale Terrell at 11:20am, where he was questioned and denied the missing girl was at or had been to his home. Information that she might be there. 

Officers then returned to Terrell’s home at 8:30pm, where he met officers at his front door and once again denied the missing girl was in his home. Officers presented evidence that she was there and then Terrell admitted she was inside his residence. Officers located the 13-year-old, who was safe and unharmed. She was then returned to her parents.

Terrell was arrested and charged with misdemeanors for harboring a runaway child, interference with official acts and violation of a no contact order. Additionally, 20-year-old Amanda Terrell was additionally charged with a misdemeanor for harboring a runaway child and was issued a summons to appear in court. Stuart Police are continuing to investigate this case and additional charges may be filed. 

Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.