Wadesboro, North Carolina, January 28, 2026
A man from Union County faces charges for allegedly removing three juveniles from a treatment center in Wadesboro. Law enforcement worked collaboratively to locate the missing teens, ensuring their safe recovery. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Wadesboro Police Department and the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The specific details of the charges have not been fully disclosed. This case highlights the importance of cooperative efforts among law enforcement in addressing juvenile safety and crime in North Carolina.
Wadesboro, North Carolina
A Union County man has been charged following an incident last week where three juveniles were reportedly taken from a treatment center in Wadesboro and subsequently located. The individual is accused of removing the three teenagers from the facility. Law enforcement agencies collaborated to ensure the safe recovery of the missing youths and the apprehension of the suspect.
Investigation and Charges
The suspect, identified as a man from Union County, was charged after the three missing juveniles were successfully located last week. The charges stem from the accusation that he took the teenagers out of the Wadesboro treatment center. The specific details of the charges have not been publicly detailed beyond the accusation of taking the juveniles.
The comprehensive investigation and subsequent actions were a result of a coordinated effort by several specialized law enforcement units. The Wadesboro Police Department received assistance from the Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) Violent Crimes Unit and the SHIELD unit. These units worked in conjunction with the Union County Sheriff’s Office to track and locate the missing individuals and secure an arrest in the case.
Recovery of Juveniles
The three juveniles were found last week, bringing an end to the search that began after their reported removal from the Wadesboro treatment center. The success of their location is attributed to the diligent efforts of the involved law enforcement agencies. No further details regarding the condition of the juveniles upon their recovery or their current whereabouts have been released.
Context of Juvenile Facilities in North Carolina
In North Carolina, juvenile detention centers typically house youths in facilities closest to their home county. These centers provide various treatment programming and services designed to support the rehabilitation and well-being of the young individuals within their care. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHSR) oversees mental health facilities, which can include various levels of treatment. For example, Agape Unit Care Services, Inc. in Fayetteville, NC, is listed as a Level III treatment facility.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety in its jurisdiction, which includes Monroe, NC. Sheriff Eddie Cathey, who has over 45 years of experience in law enforcement, leads the office. The department frequently assists local police departments in complex cases, such as the recent efforts in Wadesboro.
This incident highlights the collaborative nature of law enforcement in North Carolina, where various units and agencies work together across county lines to address criminal activity and ensure the safety of the state’s residents, particularly its most vulnerable populations. The swift action and coordination among the Wadesboro Police Department, the CIB Violent Crimes Unit, the SHIELD unit, and the Union County Sheriff’s Office were instrumental in resolving the situation involving the missing juveniles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Wadesboro, North Carolina?
A Union County man has been charged after three juveniles were reportedly taken from a treatment center in Wadesboro and subsequently located last week.
When were the juveniles located?
The three missing juveniles were located last week.
Who was involved in the investigation?
The Wadesboro Police Department was assisted by the CIB Violent Crimes Unit, the SHIELD unit, and the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
What is the role of the Union County Sheriff’s Office?
The Union County Sheriff’s Office ensures public safety in its jurisdiction and frequently assists local police departments in complex cases. Sheriff Eddie Cathey has been in law enforcement for more than 45 years.
How are juvenile detention centers organized in North Carolina?
Youths are typically housed in a detention center closest to their home county. These centers offer treatment programming and services.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Main Event | Union County man charged after three missing juveniles located. | Local (Wadesboro, Union County, NC) |
| Suspect Origin | Union County man. | Local (Union County, NC) |
| Victims | Three juveniles/teens. | Local (Wadesboro, NC) |
| Location of Incident | Wadesboro treatment center. | Local (Wadesboro, NC) |
| Timeline | Juveniles located and suspect charged last week. | Local |
| Agencies Involved | Wadesboro Police Department, CIB Violent Crimes Unit, SHIELD unit, Union County Sheriff’s Office. | State-level (NC) |
| Juvenile Facilities in NC | Youths housed closest to home county; treatment programming and services offered. | State-level (NC) |
| Mental Health Facilities in NC | Regulated by NC DHSR; example: Agape Unit Care Services, Inc. in Fayetteville, NC. | State-level (NC) |
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