UPDATE (10/4/2022):  Today, investigators with the KCSO had the report reviewed by the Kent County Prosecutor's Office.  Charges of Kidnapping have been authorized against the suspect currently in custody in North Carolina.  KCSO investigators are continuing to work with Child Protective Services and the family.  The law of Kidnapping-Enticement has been copied below.   

750.350 Leading, taking, carrying away, decoying, or enticing away child under 14; intent; violation as felony; penalty; adoptive or natural parent.

Sec. 350.  (1) A person shall not maliciously, forcibly, or fraudulently lead, take, carry away, decoy, or entice away, any child under the age of 14 years, with the intent to detain or conceal the child from the child's parent or legal guardian, or from the person or persons who have adopted the child, or from any other person having the lawful charge of the child. A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for life or any term of years.(2) An adoptive or natural parent of the child shall not be charged with and convicted for a violation of this section.

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UPDATE:  Just after 6:30 PM this evening the 19-year-old man and 13-year-old girl were located by the Winston-Salem Police Department.  Josephs is in custody of the police department and charges are being sought.  Ja'Da' is also in care of the police department and arrangements are being made for her return.  

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PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich:  The KCSO responded to a missing person report on 10/3/2022 involving a 13-year-old female, Ja'Da' Whitehead, from Plainfield Township.  Her family reports her last seen on 10/2/2022 and stated that she may be in the company of a 19-year-old New York man, Marquaress Josephs.  It is believed Josephs traveled to Grand Rapids some time ago to meet with Ja'Da'.  Investigators found that on October 2nd, the two purchased bus tickets from Grand Rapids to Windston-Salem, NC.  Ja'Da' is believed to have gone voluntarily, but due to her age and the circumstances, we are asking for any tips in regards to her whereabouts.  The KCSO is working in coordination with the Winston-Salem Police Department as well.

If you have information that could help to move the investigation forward, please call the KCSO at 616-632-6125, or call Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 to report information safely and anonymously.

Contact: Sgt. Eric Brunner | 616.632.6106
eric.brunner@kentcountymi.gov
Incident: 22-147604

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