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.

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.

About the Author

Featured

Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez