NJ Mom Charged After 'Missing' Son Found Hiding in Crawl Space
Authorities located the teenager inside his mother's home following a report that he was missing.
A New Jersey mother has been charged with obstruction after her 17-year-old son, initially reported missing, was found hidden in a crawl space within her home. The East Brunswick Police Department confirmed the charges against Jennifer Buckley on Wednesday.
The situation began Tuesday evening when the boy's father reported that his son had not arrived at his scheduled drop-off location. Buckley reportedly told police that the teen was not at her residence and that she could not locate him. She also expressed concern that her son might be a danger to himself and did not wish to go to his father's home.
East Brunswick police initiated an extensive search for the juvenile, dedicating significant resources, including entering the teen's information into the National Crime Information Center. During their investigation, detectives discovered discrepancies in Buckley's account.
Upon searching Buckley's home, officers found the 17-year-old boy concealed in a crawl space in the basement. Authorities determined that the teen had been in the crawl space the entire time and that Buckley had assisted in concealing him. The investigation found no evidence that the juvenile had been harmed.
Buckley was arrested and charged with obstructing the administration of law. East Brunswick Police Chief Frank LoSacco stated that the department takes missing juvenile reports seriously, especially when there are concerns for a child's safety. He commended the officers for their diligent efforts to locate the boy and ensure his well-being.
"Providing false or misleading information to law enforcement undermines those efforts and unnecessarily diverts officers and resources away from members of our community who may need immediate police assistance," LoSacco said in a statement. Police have not released further details about the circumstances leading to the boy being hidden.