Paulding County authorities believe Jerry Lee Fagen is in Arizona with the 8-year-old step-daughter he is suspected of abusing.
Authorities believe Fagen is on the run with his wife, the child's mother, Casey Lynn Fagen; the 8-year-old girl, Isabella Eve Petty, and her 1-year-old brother.
The Paulding County Sheriff's Office said in a press release Friday it has confirmed reports received overnight that Fagen had been seen in the Phoenix area as of May 10.
Cpl. Brandon Gurley said the sheriff's office is working on several leads it received overnight.
Gurley said a nationwide missing child alert has not been issued because the girl is in the company of her mother and that her life is not believed to be in danger.
The girl first reported abuse to teachers at Baggett Elementary School, who contacted the Department of Family and Children Services.
DFCS contacted the sheriff's office on April 17. Warrants for Fagen's arrest were issued on May 19 after the investigation was completed, he said.
Isabella was last seen on April 28 at Baggett Elementary and was withdrawn from school by her maternal grandmother on April 30, according to authorities. The family probably left around that time, he said.
Police believe they also know people in California and Gaston, N.C. They could be traveling in a red 2000 Ford Taurus SES with Georgia tag ASI 7861.
JERRY LEE FAGEN
Age: 30
5 feet 9 inches in height, approximately 130 pounds
Long brown hair, blue eyes, trimmed mustache and goatee
CASEY LYNN FAGEN
Age: 26
5 feet 6 inches in height, 275 pounds
Brown eyes and brown hair.
May also possess ID as Casey Lynn Petty
Anyone with information is asked to call the Paulding County Sheriff's Office (770-443-3010) or local law enforcement immediately. Callers may leave an anonymous tip by calling 770-445-5535, or by e-mailing tips@paulding.gov.
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