North Carolina
Girl allegedly abducted by noncustodial mother found safe in North Carolina
ST. CHARLES, Ill. — A girl who was allegedly abducted in suburban Chicago in 2017 by her noncustodial mother has been found safe in North Carolina after she was spotted at a business, authorities said.
Officers found a woman and a minor child at the business in Asheville, North Carolina, and were able to confirm their identities, police said. They said the woman, Heather Unbehaun, 40, was wanted on an extradition warrant out of Illinois for child abduction.
Unbehaun posted $25,000 bond Tuesday and was released from custody, the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office said. Unbehaun declined to waive extradition, the office said.
It wasn’t clear whether Unbehaun has an attorney who might comment on the allegations against her.
South Elgin, Illinois, police said they were notified Saturday by police in Asheville that they had received a tip from a store employee who recognized Unbehaun and recalled that the child was missing. A store employee immediately notified Asheville police, who contacted South Elgin police.
Asheville police then took Unbehaun into custody. The child has since been reunited with her father.
“We are overjoyed to report that the child is in good condition and in good spirits since being reunited with her father,” South Elgin Police Chief Jerry Krawczyk said in a statement.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said the girl was 9 when Unehaun, her noncustodial mother, allegedly abducted her from South Elgin on July 5, 2017.
In its news release, the center included a statement from the girl’s father, identified only as “Ryan,” where he said he’s “overjoyed” that his daughter “is home safe.” He thanked the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, South Elgin police and other law enforcement agencies for their efforts.
“We ask for privacy as we get to know each other again and navigate this new beginning,” he added.
The girl’s 2017 abduction was featured on the Netflix Unsolved Mysteries reboot, WLOS-TV reported.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A longtime Wake County Democratic state representative announced his resignation from the North Carolina General Assembly on Sunday.
Rep. Joe John, who represented northwestern Wake County, shared news of his resignation in a letter posted to his Facebook page, after he said he received a terminal diagnosis for throat cancer from his doctors. John, 85, first stated publicly that he was diagnosed with throat cancer in early December.
“I hope my legacy will be one of dedication to the common good — working to build bridges, advocate for the voiceless, and fight for justice,” he said.
John was first elected as a state representative in 2016 and served four consecutive terms. His upcoming term would have been his fifth. Before serving in the legislature, John spent a large portion of his life in the judicial field — as a state appeals judge, superior court judge and district judge. He also served as the State of North Carolina Crime Laboratory’s director.
The Wake County Democratic Party will be in charge of choosing someone to fill John’s vacant seat.
John said in his letter that he plans to focus on his health and spend time with his family after resigning.
“If my time in office has made even a small difference in your lives, then I will leave this world knowing I’ve done my part,” John said.
Republican President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House on Monday, vowing swift action on a host of issues that could impact nearly every American — and could have a particularly profound effect on North Carolina’s economy.
Reporter : Kelsey Coffey
Photographer : Mark Olexik
Web Editor : Jessica Patrick
Posted
Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) officials announced on Sunday that they extended transitional sheltering assistance to families in western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene.
According to FEMA, residents and families receiving hotel lodging while looking for alternative housing will be allowed to stay in hotels until May 25, with hotel check-out on May 26.
“This is a positive development,” North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said on X. “I pledge to work with the new administration to support displaced North Carolinians and help folks recover.”
The extension comes after reports of people being kicked out of hotels FEMA provided.
“If any survivors still need housing assistance or feel their TSA eligibility ended in error, they should immediately call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362,” FEMA said on Monday.
If you were impacted by this situation and would like to share your experience with WRAL, go to wral.com/reportit.
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