A 27-year-old individual is presently in custody under the suspicion of involvement in the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl who vanished from her Houston residence a week ago. Sirterryon Preston was apprehended by the law enforcement agency in Columbus, Texas, on Friday, March 1.
Following indications that the missing girl, E’minie Hughes, for whom an Amber Alert had been issued on February 28, might be within the city limits of Columbus, as stated in a social media post shared by the police department.
Upon attempted detainment by the authorities, Preston endeavored to escape on foot but was ultimately apprehended and detained, the post indicated. Presently, Preston is being held in Colorado County jail and has been charged with evasion, the police reported. Additional charges could be added as the FBI’s probe into the disappearance of the girl progresses, according to the online statement.
In a separate post shared on Friday, the FBI Houston division expressed its satisfaction in contributing to the rescue of another missing child. The missing girl was subsequently transported back to Houston and admitted to a medical facility, as confirmed by a Houston police representative speaking to USA TODAY. The spokesperson further commented on E’minie’s condition, stating, “Physically she appeared to be fine.”
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As per the Texas Center for the Missing, E’minie had been missing since February 22. Houston police confirmed Hughes’ retrieval, stating she was “found unharmed in Columbus, (Texas) a short time ago.” Despite ongoing inquiries, the department refrained from providing additional details regarding the case.
Before her discovery, Houston authorities suggested that E’minie may have been engaged with the social media platform “Tagged.” The company behind the application, The Meet Group, contacted Houston police to extend assistance upon learning of the situation. While Houston police suspect the girl’s involvement with “Tagged,”
“We were deeply saddened to learn the news of E’minie’s’ disappearance, and are relieved by her safe return,” the company said. “Nothing is more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of the community on our platforms every day.”
The company also said its “terms and conditions prohibit minors from using” its apps and utilizes “technology and manual analysis” to check for minors who have registered using a false age.
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“Should we be made aware of any attempts to circumvent our process, we thoroughly investigate any report involving a possible minor user or child exploitation,” the company said. “We invest significantly in these efforts, and while we know that sadly there is no way to make this process completely infallible, we are continuously evolving to stay at the forefront of best-in-class safety practices.”
No specifics regarding the company’s relevance to the case have been disclosed as yet. In her final moments before disappearing, according to the Texas Center for the Missing, E’minie was seen boarding a dark-colored 4-door Dodge pickup while wearing a white crop top and pink joggers.
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Her mother, Shannon Williams, expressed her distress on the matter, recounting the anguish of the events leading up to her daughter’s disappearance. Williams’ emotional turmoil was evident as she shared her last interaction with her daughter, who had requested to be woken up early for school.
The uncertainty surrounding E’minie’s whereabouts has undoubtedly taken its toll on her family, reflecting a harrowing ordeal that no parent should have to endure.
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