KENTUCKY — A Tennessee man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he twice picked up a runaway juvenile from Logan County.
According to the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, deputies began investigating on Jan. 21 after receiving a report of a missing 16-year-old from a residence in Russellville.
During the investigation, deputies determined the teen had been picked up by Arric Austin Jr., 19, of Nashville. The juvenile was later located at a residence in Nashville and safely recovered. She was transported to Nashville Metro Juvenile Detention pending court procedures. Authorities said Austin was warned at that time to have no further contact with the juvenile.
On Feb. 19, deputies received a second report that the same juvenile had run away again. Investigators said they discovered deleted electronic messages arranging for Austin to return to Logan County to pick her up.
Sheriff Stephen Stratton said flock camera data showed Austin’s vehicle entering and leaving Logan County overnight. Cellular data later indicated travel toward Alabama.
Austin was located and arrested in Alabama. He was returned to Kentucky on Feb. 25 and is currently being held at the Logan County Detention Center.
He has been charged with two counts each of custodial interference, unlawful transaction with a minor – third degree, and kidnapping.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible, according to authorities.
