RANGER, W.Va. — A 15-year-old West Virginia girl who had been reported missing has been found safe, and investigators say false information provided during the investigation led to the arrest of one man.
The West Virginia State Police announced Thursday afternoon that Holly Sanders has been located safely and is now in the custody of law enforcement.
The investigation began after troopers learned Sanders had disappeared from Ranger in Wayne County. Authorities later determined she had actually been missing since Monday, July 27, despite initially receiving information that she had been seen days later.
Investigators said the case took a significant turn after discovering that statements provided to troopers about Sanders’ whereabouts were false. According to state police, Carson Toppins, 47, of Milton, was arrested and charged with providing false information and obstructing an officer after investigators determined he knowingly misled law enforcement during the investigation.
Police also said charges against a juvenile are pending.
State police have not released additional information about where Sanders was found or the circumstances surrounding her recovery. The investigation remains ongoing.
