According to WOIO, Julian Hernandez, now 18, was 5 years old when his mother reported him missing in Alabama in August 2002. The case went cold until recently, when Hernandez, who reportedly had been living with his father in Cleveland under a different name, started applying for college, police told WVTM. That's when a school counselor discovered Hernandez's Social Security number was incorrect, WOIO reports.
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Hernandez's father, Bobby Hernandez, was arrested Monday and faces charges in connection with the case. Bond was set at $255,000, police said.
Bobby Hernandez also may be charged in Jefferson County, Alabama, WOIO reports.
Vestavia Hills, Alabama, police Lt. Johnny Evans said the boy's mother was excited to learn the news. Investigators had long suspected that the abduction was custodial, AL.com reported.
"She was glad to finally get closure to know that he is still alive," Evans told WOIO.
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