Local News

Kidnapped Franklin County Toddler Found; Baby Sitter In Custody

Posted Updated

LOUISBURG, NC — An 18-month-old Wake County girl reported missing by her parents has been found safe in Johnston County.

Hours after Jade Creech's picture was shown on TV, the suspect, 35-year-old Teresa Odell, called the Franklin County Sheriff's Office to let them know she had the baby and to come get her. Odell, who was Creech's baby sitter, was found by authorities in a home in Johnston County.

"She told us that the baby is here with me and that she was fine and she was in the baby sitter's arms when the door was opened," Franklin County Sheriff Robert Redmond said.

Kimberly Creech, Jade's mother, said she was relieved that authorities found her daughter.

"I'm very happy to have her back and that she is home safe," she said.

Creech said she has learned a valuable lesson about who to trust.

"I made a mistake. I thought I could trust her. She was referred. Definitely take the time to do a background check because you never know," Creech said.

Odell will be charged with first-degree kidnapping. Investigators still do not know why Odell took the child to Johnston County. They say she turned herself in because a friend saw the news report and told her she was in big trouble.

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.