Amber Alert Canceled, Suspect Arrested in Wautoma Girl Case
An Amber Alert was issued Saturday morning for an 8-year-old girl from Wautoma. Authorities later confirmed Amber Alert Canceled after the child was found safe.
Filmogaz.com reports the girl, identified as Irene Lentz, was located by the Nebraska State Patrol. Police say the suspect is now in custody.
Initial alert and sighting details
The alert named 34-year-old Betty Lentz and 44-year-old Joseph Nicpon as the adults believed to be with Irene. The three were last seen at 12:55 p.m. on April 3.
They were traveling west on I-90 in Monroe County near Sparta. The vehicle was a 2005 blue Buick Terraza minivan with plate BCU3028.
Irene is described as an 8-year-old white female. She has brown hair and hazel eyes.
Offender history and investigation actions
Authorities say Nicpon is a registered sex offender on supervised release. Officials reported he removed a GPS tracking bracelet in Adams County.
Records show Nicpon was released from prison on March 31. His recent convictions included sexual assault and incest with a child charges.
Wautoma police say Betty Lentz took Irene to meet Nicpon outside the area. Contact between Nicpon and the two is reportedly prohibited.
Local police worked with the Division of Criminal Investigation and Adams County during the search. The department said some Wautoma residents did not receive the alert because the child went missing from another county.
Recovery and arrest
Officials confirmed the Amber Alert Canceled at 2:45 p.m. after Nebraska State Patrol located Irene. Joseph Nicpon was taken into custody soon after.
Filmogaz.com notes that authorities labeled this development as Suspect Arrested in Wautoma Girl Case. Anyone with additional information is urged to call 911.
