Missing 9-Year-Old Girl Found: Will County Sheriff

Joliet IL

20 September, 2021

6:18 PM

Description

Updated at 6:45 p.m.: JOLIET, IL — The Will County Sheriff's Office said they have located a 9-year-old who was reported missing Monday. Police said the girl was found "and has been checked by local law enforcement." Police thanked those who shared information on the missing girl, and did not provide any other details. Original post: A 9-year-old girl was reported missing Monday evening after her extended family told authorities they had not been in contact with the girl since Sept. 15, police said. Nalaya S. Patterson-Dean is said to be in the custody of her biological father, Jovontae Dean. While Dean is the young girl's custodial guardian and no criminal charges have been filed, the Will County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in locating Nalaya so officials can conduct a health-welfare check. The 9-year-old has also been absent from her elementary school since Sept. 15, family members told police. Authorities said Jovantae Dean and Nalaya may be traveling with the man's girlfriend, Madison Haney. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Haney, Dean or Nalaya is asked to contact the Will County Sheriff's Office at 815-727-8575, call Detective Ken Topolewski at 815-405-0816 or email Topolewski here.