U.S. News
A Cross-Country Mystery Unravels in Unexpected Rescue of Abducted Child
Clear Facts
- Eleven-year-old girl located safe March 10, 2026, in Washington County, North Carolina.
- Kidnapped June 2, 2020, from Los Angeles County, California, at age five.
- Tip from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and DCFS led to discovery.
- Enrolled in local schools under alias; taken into protective custody.
Authorities determined the child attended Washington County Schools using a false name based on the tip received.
Multiple agencies from North Carolina and California collaborated to secure her safety.
“These are very rare occurrences to have such a positive outcome on such an old case as this, but it reminds us that through hard work, and dedication, and cooperation stories with positive outcomes like these can happen,” the Washington County Sheriff’s Office stated.
The girl, identified as Karen Rojas, was last seen in Duarte, California.
Her mother, who had custody, allegedly took her after ceasing communication with DCFS during an ongoing investigation.
No arrests have been announced as detectives probe how she ended up over 2,650 miles away.
“While we understand the public’s interest in children from the community who may have received supportive services from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), state law prohibits us from commenting on our possible involvement with families. Confidentiality laws protect those who may have come into contact with our department from emotional distress and stigmatization while complex family issues are resolved.”
This heartening resolution underscores dedicated law enforcement persistence and cross-state teamwork protecting America’s children.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
