DOTHAN, AL (WSFA) -
Authorities investigating the case of a teenager abducted from a
Dothan medical center have reason to believe she may be in medical
danger.
Authorities have been searching for 15-year-old Ailene
Lander since she was taken from DHR custody by a man identified as her
step-father on Monday.
Lander was abducted from Southeast Alabama
Medical Center during a scheduled medical appointment. Police believe
her step-father, 36-year-old Charles "Dean" Partin, abducted the girl
and is driving Lander along with her mother, Julie Bethke, and Lander's
five siblings to Mexico.
The FBI became involved in the case on
Tuesday. Information developed in this case shows the suspect and victim
are very likely located in East Texas or Western Louisiana as of this
afternoon's update. Border Patrol Agents are monitoring all U.S. Border
Crossing locations for the family at this time.
Both Partin and
Bethke have active warrants out for their arrest for their participation
in the abduction. Authorities say Lander is considered to be in
immediate danger. While police will not disclose Landers' privileged
medical information, information relating to the investigation suggests
Lander may be in medical danger. Sources that claim to be close to the
family tell WSFA 12 News that Lander is pregnant.
Lander is
described as a white female, 15 years of age last seen wearing a white
see-through shirt and pink gym shorts. Authorities believe her hair
color may have been altered to appear blonde.
Partin is described as a white male, 36 years of age last seen wearing a baseball cap, dark colored shirt and dark jeans.
The
family was believed to have been traveling in a 1994 Mercury Villager
van Alabama tag #34B26K3 or #38D18W2. However, the family may likely
have discarded this vehicle and may be driving a blue, green, or
blue/green Toyota minivan. Partin is listed as a truck driver with
carpentry skills. He has previously been convicted of motor vehicle
theft.
Information developed in this case shows the suspect is
very likely seeking and may be entering charitable organizations for
support.
If you see them or know anything about their whereabouts
call 1-800-CALL-FBI, then choose option one. Again, a reward is now
being offered in this case.
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Dothan Police investigating kidnapping