Kidnapped Teen Reportedly Seen in East Texas

SAN AUGUSTINE (Staff/AP) — The San Augustine Sheriff’s Department tells our news partner KETK a girl kidnapped in Alabama and her alleged abductors have been spotted in San Augustine. Officials say a man believed to be the child’s primary abductor came into the First Baptist Church in San Augustine around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday and asked the pastor for gas money. They were seen in a green minivan, which matches the description of the vehicle they are believed to be in. Authorities say they’ve determined the van is a stolen 2003 green Toyota Sienna.

San Augustine County Sheriff David Smith says after stopping in the church, the man who’d sought the gas money then gassed up nearby and headed west. The man is believed to be traveling with seven people, including the victim, and a dog. Officials think the alleged abductor is still seeking charitable contributions for food and may be staying at state parks or camp sites.

Alabama authorities have asked East Texans to be on high alert. According to the Dothan, Ala., Police Department, shortly after 1:00 Monday afternoon, officers were dispatched to reports of a kidnapping in front of the Southeast Alabama Medical Center. When police arrived, an employee with the hospital told them she had taken Ailene Lander, 15, seen here in a Facebook photo, to the medical center for an appointment. While at the office, the worker and Lander were approached by Charles Partin, 36, the child’s stepfather. Police say Partin grabbed the teen and put her inside a van, then left the parking lot.

The girl was last seen wearing a white shirt and white/pink shorts. Lander’s hair color may have now been altered to appear blonde. In addition to the immediate danger from her abduction, Landers may also be in medical danger. The suspect, Charles Partin, A.K.A. “Dean”, is described as a white male and was last seen wearing a baseball cap, dark colored shirt and dark jeans. He is a truck driver with carpentry skills. He has also previously been convicted of motor vehicle theft. Both Charles Partin and now Julie Bethke, the girl’s mother, currently have active warrants for arrest for their alleged participation in the abduction. Police say Bethke and the couple’s five other children are likely with Partin and Lander.

Partin is believed to have left the scene in a two-tone light blue over dark blue 1994 Mercury Villager older model van, but may likely have discarded the vehicle and may be driving a blue, green or blue/green Toyota minivan. Dothan police say the first van has been found. They did not say where it was located. Recent information suggests the suspect and victim are very likely in East Texas or Western Louisiana. Officials warn the suspect may be seeking and entering charitable organizations for food.