Nj teen found 300 miles from home as california man arrested in missing child case

NJ Teen found 300 miles from home as California man arrested in missing child case

by
May 29, 2026
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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
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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News

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