Missing Arizona girl found in South Carolina apartment

SAFFORD, Ariz. (AP) — Authorities say a 12-year-old southern Arizona girl missing for more than a week has been found safe in South Carolina and a man is facing charges of kidnapping and custodial interference. 

Graham County Sheriff’s officials say Betty Taylor went for a walk near her Safford home on March 20. 

Six hours later when she hadn’t return home, her family contacted authorities and a search began. 

With the help of the FBI, sheriff’s officials say the missing girl was found Wednesday in the South Carolina apartment of 23-year-old Timothy Schultheis of Hilton Head Island. 

Authorities say Schultheis has been booked into a Beaufort County jail as he awaits extradition to Arizona. 

The family stated they do not know Schultheis but believe Taylor and the 23-year-old met online.

Schultheis had received multiple sexual assault charges involving minors in 2020.

Arrangements are being made to unite the girl with her family.