New Mexico Teens Missing from Ranch for At-Risk Youth
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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(HILLSBORO, N.M.) — When New Mexico authorities went to a ranch for at-risk youth Friday morning, they had a court order to interview nine teenagers placed there regarding allegations of abuse.
When the authorities arrived at Tierra Blanca Youth Ranch, no one was home. Officials issued an Amber Alert, for the nine teenagers on Friday.
The search for the teens continued over the weekend. An attorney for the ranch issued a statement saying that the teenagers were “safe,” though police were not convinced.
New Mexico State Police on say that four of the teens had been located and were returned to their parents. Still, the Amber Alert on the remaining five teens will remain active. Police believe they may be in danger.
State Police say they have now talked to the parents of all five boys still listed as missing in the Amber Alert, who all claim that they are home and safe. Until police actually lay eyes on the five, they won’t cancel the alert.
Ranch Director Scott Chandler has been named a person of interest in the investigation.
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