A young girl, who was taken five years ago, has been found safe after being kidnapped around 2,600 miles away from her home. Karen Rojas, who is now 11 years old, was abducted on June 2, 2020, from Duarte, a town near Los Angeles, California. Recently, she was discovered living under a false name in Washington County, North Carolina.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) received a tip from authorities in Los Angeles, leading to the revelation that the missing girl might be in their jurisdiction. Following a thorough multi-agency investigation, Karen was traced to a school where she had been residing under an assumed identity.

Expressing their astonishment at the positive turn of events, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office stated that such successful resolutions in long-standing cases are uncommon but highlight the importance of diligent efforts, dedication, and collaboration.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Karen’s mother had custody of her but ceased communication with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) during an inquiry, subsequently disappearing with the child.

As of now, no information has been released regarding any potential arrests or charges related to the abduction. It remains unclear how long Karen had been in North Carolina or who she was staying with when she was located.