BROOKLYN, Ohio (AP) — A Cleveland-area teen who police say ran away with a Missouri man who later held her captive for weeks has been reunited with her family.
The 15-year-old returned home Thursday night, two days after authorities found her in a home about 40 miles west of St. Louis.
Investigators said Friday that they were able to discover the missing teen’s location by tracking Facebook messages.
Prosecutors say one message said: “I haven’t hurt her, I don’t plan on it, but she keeps crying.”
Christopher Schroeder of Marthasville, Missouri, has been charged with transporting a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity and statutory rape. Court records show he told authorities he thought the girl was 18.
His court-appointed attorney declined to comment on Friday. Schroeder is due in court Monday.