A missing North Carolina teenager was found alive in a Checotah motel late Wednesday night.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office said in a press release that Aubrey Joelle Acree was found safe Wednesday night around 11 p.m. at the America's Best Value Inn.
This America’s Best Value Inn is where authorities say they found and arrested 23-year-old Jacob Gardea for abduction of a child. NC teen Aubrey Acree who was reported missing on Monday was found safe and alive and will be reunited with her family. #Oklahoma @KJRH2HD pic.twitter.com/wSbWoix3LR
— Gitzel Puente (@gitzelpuenteTV) November 29, 2018
With the assistance of Oklahoma Highway Patrol and FBI agents, Acree was found at a motel with 23-year-old Jacob Gardea of Albuquerque, New Mexico, RCSO officials said.
Officials said Gardea faces charges from North Carolina for abduction of a child. In Oklahoma, Gardea is facing lewd act and oral sodomy charges.
The motel manager at the inn said Gardea came into the motel around 7 p.m. and booked a room alone. Authorities contacted the motel at about 9 p.m. about a possible suspect staying there.
Acree's family has been notified and she will be reunited with loved ones back in North Carolina, officials said.
Gardea has been booked into the McIntosh County Jail. A hearing will take place Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the McIntosh County Courthouse.
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