PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A man from New York is facing charges of kidnapping after taking a 13-year-old girl from Plainfield Twp to North Carolina.
Charges of Kidnapping have been authorized against Marquess Josephs, 19, said the Kent County Sheriff.
The charges are the conclusion of a report by the Kent County Sheriff's Office and a review by the Kent County Prosecutor.
Deputies say a 13-year-old from Kent County named Ja'Da Whitehead was found Monday after being declared missing earlier in the day.
She was located by police in Windston-Salem, North Carolina, after authorities learned that she and another person, a 19-year-old man, had bought bus tickets heading there.
We're told that she was accompanied by 19-year-old Marquaress Josephs of New York, who may have traveled to Grand Rapids some time ago to meet with her.
He is now in custody with kidnapping charges authorized against him.
The teen is in the care of the police department in Windston-Salem. Plans are being made for her return.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office says the 13-year-old was last seen on Sunday.
Deputies believe she traveled willingly. However, due to her age, deputies sought tips and information on her whereabouts.
Josephs is still in custody in North Carolina, deputies say.
Those with information related to the case are encouraged to connect with deputies by calling 616-632-6125 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
