May 23, 2009

DALLAS, Ga. (AP) -- Authorities say an 8-year-old Georgia girl believed to have been abducted by her step-father has been found in
Phoenix.

The Paulding County Sheriff's Office said Saturday the girl and her 1-year-old brother were taken into protective custody by authorities in Arizona. Their mother was with them when they were located. She has not been charged.

The step-father, 30-year-old Jerry Fagen, is wanted in Paulding County on suspicion of child molestation and sexual battery. The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services received reports in April that Fagen had engaged in inappropriate sexual relations with the girl.

Deputy Ashley Henson says Paulding County officials are working with Child Protective Services in Arizona to have the children returned to Georgia.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)