Amber Alert Lifted: Missing Wautoma Girl, 8, Safely Located in Nebraska
An 8-year-old girl from Wautoma was found safe in Nebraska on Saturday. Authorities lifted the Amber Alert after the child was located. The missing Wautoma girl was safely located in Nebraska and taken into protective custody.
Recovery and arrests
Nebraska State Patrol troopers stopped a 2005 blue Buick linked to the case. The vehicle was westbound on I-80 near Gretna when officers acted. The car exited at the Greenwood interchange, mile marker 420, then turned onto Highway 63.
Troopers made a traffic stop and arrested 44-year-old Joseph Nicpon at about 1:30 p.m. Betty Lentz, the child’s mother, was taken into custody for questioning by Wisconsin authorities. The child was placed in child protective custody.
The Amber Alert was issued around 5 a.m. Saturday. It was canceled at about 2:30 p.m. when officials confirmed the child was safe. Nebraska State Patrol sent an update later that evening saying Nicpon was in the Cass County Jail.
How the search unfolded
Troopers in eastern Nebraska had been alerted to a vehicle tied to the Amber Alert. They located Nicpon, the child, and her mother in the Buick. Authorities said the group had likely left Wisconsin.
The missing girl had last been seen just before 1:00 p.m. Friday. Police reported a blue Buick traveling west on I-90 in Monroe County, near Sparta.
Suspect background and legal status
Wautoma police say the Wisconsin Department of Corrections reported Nicpon removed his GPS tracking bracelet on Friday. Nicpon was released from prison on March 31. Court records show a 2017 conviction for incest with a child, with a six-year sentence and five years of extended supervision.
He previously faced a charge of repeated sexual assault of a child, but that count was dismissed as part of a plea deal. Wautoma Police Department says Nicpon is barred from contacting the child and her mother. Officials added that the alleged offenses began in Adams County, so no charges were filed in Wautoma’s jurisdiction.
Ongoing investigation
Nebraska State Patrol is assisting the Wautoma Police Department. Authorities said the investigation remains active. Filmogaz.com will update as officials release more information.
