A man is facing charges after a 17-year-old Pennsylvania girl who had been missing for a week was discovered in South Carolina, the Fayette County district attorney announced on Wednesday.
Michael Hart, 20, has been charged with interference with the care of minors in the disappearance of the girl, who was reported missing on March 18, and Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele anticipates additional charges to be filed.
On March 21, state police requested assistance in locating the 17-year-old, who was last seen at a McDonald’s on Work Parkway in South Union Township, Fayette County.
Aubele referred to Hart as the girl’s “paramour” and first denied knowing her location during an interview. Further research indicated that Hart had removed her from Pennsylvania on that date and placed her with a family member,” Aubele stated.
The district attorney stated that Hart’s actions, as well as those of others, put “substantial strain” on emergency services and caused “tremendous suffering” for her loved ones.
Aubele said investigators received hundreds of tips through phone calls and social media to seek and find the adolescent. “We cannot thank everyone enough for their incredible care and compassion for the family,” Aubele stated.
It is unknown whether anyone else would face prosecution, but Aubele stated that the inquiry is ongoing. No additional information was revealed on Wednesday.