LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — A 12-year-old girl who was reported missing more than a week ago has been found safe in Virginia, Lancaster County deputies said Monday.
Iris Dariela Alvarado Betancourt was home with her family on Dana Court in Indian Land on Nov. 19 but went missing from her room the next morning, deputies said.
According to authorities, friends and family were able to communicate with her since she had disappeared but were unable to find out where she went. Deputies said Betancourt revealed she was picked up by someone named Oscar, whom she said is her boyfriend.
After searching for her for 10 days, authorities said they found her at a construction site in Chesapeake, Virginia, where she was hanging out with the 17-year-old boy. Officials believe she met him online and that he picked her up in Lancaster County.
Authorities in Virginia are working to get Betancourt reunited with her family.
“I am thrilled Iris has been located and will shortly be reunited with her family,” said Sheriff Barry Faile. “The search for Iris was all-hands-on-deck, and we appreciate the efforts of SLED, the United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Norfolk and Chesapeake Police Departments.”
Deputies have not released any details on the 17-year-old at this point.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at 803-283-3388.
Return to this story for updates.
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