That friend, Katherine Romero, was arrested at a Raleigh Burger King Wednesdayfor abduction of the child. News that sheriff's deputies found their girl closed whatparents say was a seven-yearodyssey.
"When they told me they had Crystal, I cried with happiness," said Urick. "It's beenrough not knowing if she was dead or alive."
County records show that Urick gave Katherine Romero her power of attorney on July12, 1994. County records also showthat she revoked that power just a week later.
"[Romero] was supposed to relinquish the child in 1994, which she did not. She didnot relinquish the child and thus left our jurisdiction, absconded and left ourarea," says Captain N. Summerlin of the Johnston County Sheriff's Department.
Sheriff's deputies say that Romero changed her name and address over the years. Shesettled in Wendell, where Crystal reached her seventh birthday.
Crystal is now in Wake County custody. Her birth mother would likely not recognizeher girl. A Johnston Countyinvestigator says they will likely be reunited soon.
"I'm wondering if she'll love me as much as she loved Kathy," says Urick.
Katherine Romero is being held in the Johnston County jail on one million dollarsbond.
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