Multi-state search ends with 16-year-old safely recovered in Pennsylvania
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, N.J. — A frantic search for a missing New Jersey teenager stretched across multiple states before investigators located the 16-year-old girl in Pennsylvania and arrested a California man, authorities announced Friday.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Wildwood Police Chief Joseph Murphy said the juvenile was safely recovered following a coordinated investigation involving local, state, and federal agencies.
The investigation began on May 26 when the Wildwood Police Department received a report that a 16-year-old female had gone missing.
Authorities immediately launched a search involving the Wildwood Police Department, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Child Abduction Response Team (CART), the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Monroe Township Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police.
Investigators determined the teenager had traveled from Cape May County into Gloucester County before continuing into Pennsylvania.
Law enforcement agencies worked together to track the juvenile’s movements, ultimately locating her in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, on May 27.
Officials said the teen was safely placed into protective custody and later reunited with her family through coordination by Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office detectives.
Authorities also arrested Demar Rojas-Hernandez of Santa Ana, California.
According to officials, Pennsylvania State Police charged Rojas-Hernandez with interference with custody of children.
Investigators said additional charges could be filed as the case continues.
Prosecutor Sutherland credited the recovery to rapid cooperation among agencies operating across multiple jurisdictions.
The investigation remains active.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135 or submit anonymous tips through the agency’s website.
Key Points
- A missing 16-year-old New Jersey girl was safely located in Pennsylvania
- Authorities arrested Demar Rojas-Hernandez of California in connection with the case
- Multiple local, state, and federal agencies participated in the investigation