C.J. Gish
A Lake City couple was arrested for allegedly lying to Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) detectives on the whereabouts of a missing juvenile.
According to a CCSO press release, detectives took James and Robin Kite into custody after an investigation revealed they reportedly kept the missing juvenile, Dalia Martinez-Lopez, from her parents.
Martinez-Lopez was reported missing on Aug. 17. The investigation led detectives to the Kites, who are parents to one of Martinez-Lopez’s friends. When questioned, the Kites said they allegedly had no knowledge of where Martinez-Lopez was and did not show any concern for her safety, even though the missing juvenile was actually at their residence.
Detectives located Martinez-Lopez at the Kite’s residence on Aug. 21 and the Kites are now facing charges of interfering with custody.
“I am thankful Dalia is safe,” said Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter in a statement. “Not knowing if your child is safe has to be the worst feeling a parent can experience. It disappoints me that people who are parents themselves, would intentionally work against law enforcement and deprive other parents of that peace of mind.”
Is no one looking into the family, if the girl ran away to stay with a friend..she probably did not feel safe at her own home? Could a minor potentially have been placed back into an unsafe situation?
Amen! An unfortunately all-too-common outcome in these situations..did u “good ole boys” in Columbia County actually do ur research to make sure the girl is actually safe now? Sadly I highly doubt it