Teen Found Safe After Being Abandoned in Louisiana Woods by Online Acquaintance
A missing 14-year-old girl from Tennessee was discovered safe in the Louisiana woods after a harrowing ordeal orchestrated by a man she met online. Alexander Materne, 28, allegedly drove the girl to his home in St. Rose, Louisiana, where they engaged in sexual activity before she revealed her age, prompting his disturbing actions.
Meeting online through a gaming platform, Materne and the girl devised a plan for him to visit her in Tennessee. However, upon learning her true age, Materne abandoned her in a secluded wooded area in Tangipahoa Parish, providing only a tent, food, and water, before departing to celebrate Christmas with his family in Jennings, Louisiana.
Parents’ Investigative Efforts Lead to Breakthrough
The pivotal moment in this harrowing saga occurred when the girl’s vigilant parents launched their investigation, tracing Materne’s whereabouts to Jennings, Louisiana, where his family resided. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker commended the parents for their instrumental role, expressing admiration for their detective skills and offering them positions on his team.
Law Enforcement’s Swift Action and Materne’s Cooperation
Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes detailed the fast-paced sequence of events that led to the girl’s rescue, highlighting the community’s collaborative efforts. Following a tip-off on Christmas Eve, officers engaged in a search that culminated in Materne’s voluntary disclosure of the girl’s location. Materne cooperated with detectives, leading them to the wooded area where the girl had been stranded.
A Christmas Miracle
Sheriff Sticker reflected on the miraculous outcome, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the potential dire consequences. He expressed relief at the girl’s safe recovery, noting that the episode could have ended tragically. The girl received medical attention and was reunited with her family, marking the end of a traumatic chapter.
The resilience of the girl and her family, combined with the swift actions of law enforcement, underscore the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in safeguarding vulnerable individuals from online predators. This heart-wrenching saga serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the digital realm and the critical role of parental involvement in ensuring children’s safety online.
