The Wildwood Police Department received a report of the missing juvenile on Tuesday, May 26, according to Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Wildwood Police Chief Joseph Murphy.

Wildwood police and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Child Abduction Response Team launched an immediate investigation involving the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Monroe Township Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police also assisted, according to the prosecutor’s office.

Investigators determined the teen had traveled from Cape May County to Gloucester County, NJ. Coordinated efforts by local, county, state, and federal agencies later led investigators to Bedford County, PA.

The teen was safely located in Bedford County on Wednesday, May 27, and placed into protective custody, authorities said. Arrangements were then made for her safe return to New Jersey. Detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office coordinated her reunification with her family, officials said.

Demar Rojas-Hernandez, of Santa Ana, CA, was taken into custody by Pennsylvania State Police and charged with interference with custody of children, authorities said. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues, according to the prosecutor’s office.

“This case highlights the critical importance of rapid interagency cooperation and the advanced investigative resources available to protect vulnerable juveniles. Due to the swift actions of law enforcement personnel across multiple jurisdictions, this young victim was safely recovered before further harm could occur. We remain committed to aggressively investigating crimes involving the exploitation and endangerment of children.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135 or submit anonymous tips at cmcpo.tips.


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