Suspected molester surrenders in Paulding County

After sparking a nationwide manhunt, a Paulding County man wanted on child molestation and sexual battery charges turned himself into the county Sheriff’s Office around 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Authorities accused Jerry Fagen, 30, of abusing his 8-year-old stepdaughter. They believe he fled the state with his wife, the stepdaughter, and her 1-year-old brother. Saturday, the children were found in Arizona with their mother.

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Special to the Journal-Constitution

Jerry Fagen is accused of abusing his 8-year-old stepdaughter.

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No charges have been filed against the mother, Casey Fagen.

When the 8-year-old girl was found, her long brown curly hair had been cut extremely short to alter her appearance, the Sheriff’s Office said.