Authoritites in Newark are reporting that the woman found in the company of 8-year-old Nevaeh Blaine, hasn't been charged in connection with this ongoing investigation.
Authorities said the investigation was initiated on Sunday, July 16th, at approximately 9:45 a.m., when officers responded to the area of Maybaum and Tremont Avenues on a call of a missing child. The child, who was later identified as Nevaeh Blaine, was last seen leaving the playground with an unidentified woman.
Director Ambrose credited the cooperative efforts of New Jersey Transit Police and citizens with locating Nevaeh in Newark's Penn Station shortly before 11 p.m. She was found in the company of a woman later identified as a family friend.
Newark detectives are working with the Essex County Prosecutor's Office to determine whether the woman found with the child or anyone else will be charged in connection with this investigation. Many questions remain unanswered about exactly what transpired between the time she was reported missing and she was found, although there is no evidence that the child was mistreated or abused.
After being found, Neveah was taken to a local hospital to be examined as a precautionary measure and is fine.
Director Ambrose stated, "This was a cooperative effort with the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, the Essex County Sheriff's Office, the New Jersey Transit Police and countless residents and neighbors helping in the search.
We are thankful that she was found and that she is safe."