Man charged with kidnapping involving runaway minor from Logan County
LOGAN COUNTY, Ky. – One man is behind bars on kidnapping charges related to a runway teen out of Logan County.
According to a release Wednesday by sheriff Stephen Stratton with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, 19-year-old Arric Austin Jr. of Nashville, Tennessee has been arrested amid an investigation into two separate related incidents.
Over the past several weeks, Stratton says the sheriff’s office has been investigating both situations.
On Jan. 21 around 11:30 p.m., Stratton says the sheriff’s office received a report of a missing 16-year-old from Russellville.
During the investigation, Stratton says authorities determined the minor had been picked up by Austin.
According to Stratton, deputies located the 16-year-old at a home in Nashville. Stratton says the minor was safely “recovered and transported to Nashville Metro Juvenile Detention pending court procedures.”
Austin was advised at the time to have no further contact with the minor, Stratton says.
On Feb. 19 around 6:45 a.m., Stratton says the agency received another report of the same minor running away a second time.
Authorities say deleted electronic communications arranged for Austin to return to Logan County to pick the minor up.
According to Stratton, Flock camera data confirmed Austin’s vehicle entered and left Logan County during overnight hours. Stratton says the sheriff’s office additionally used cellular data.
Austin was located and arrested in Alabama, according to Stratton.
Austin was returned to Kentucky Wednesday and remains at the Logan County Detention Center.
He faces two counts of custodial interference, two counts of third-degree unlawful transaction with a minor and two counts of kidnapping.
The release by Stratton further states, “When an adult knowingly assists a juvenile in leaving lawful custody — especially across state lines — we will act. We will use every investigative resource available and work with our law enforcement partners to ensure individuals are brought back to Logan County to face charges. Deputy Ashley Grayson led this investigation. Her diligence and persistence were essential in safely recovering the juvenile and developing the case that led to this arrest.”
The case remains under investigation, and additional charges are possible.
