By Mary O’KEEFE

One man has been charged in connection with a missing 14-year-old boy in the Montrose area. The juvenile went missing on May 2 and was found on May 5. 

The 25-year-old male suspect has been charged with one count of child stealing, one count of child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily harm or death and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The are all misdemeanor charges, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. 

The boy’s mother had used social media to get the word out about her missing son. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept.-Crescenta Valley Station began investigating immediately after the report was received of the boy’s disappearance. 

“Approximately 72 hours [after the missing report] the minor was located safely and reunited with his family,” according to a CV Station statement. “The efforts undertaken to find the minor included canvassing the community, [performing] investigative interviews, [issuing] wireless emergency alerts and [utilizing] technology. Additionally, the use of scent dogs and the cooperation of business entities were helpful in the investigation efforts.”

After the juvenile was returned home, detectives continued their investigation that led to the arrest of two suspects – the 25-year-old male and a 23-year-old female. 

The female was not charged due to insufficient evidence.