Springfield woman charged in case of missing teenager

A Springfield woman faces accusations she housed a runaway teenager for five months without contacting law enforcement.

Heather Crowley, 43, is charged in Clark County Municipal Court with interference with custody and obstructing justice. She pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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Clark County sheriff deputies began their investigation when they were contacted by the teen’s mother that her son had run away from home in November of last year, a police affidavit says.

“In December 2016, (the mother) had heard he may be staying at 1100 Broadway St.,” an affidavit written by Clark County Sheriff Detective Debra Strileckyj says. “On that day and numerous times thereafter, I had been to the 1100 Broadway Street residence and left business cards in the door due to no one ever answering the door when I knocked.”

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On June 12, deputies from the sheriff’s office went to the home after they received new information that better confirmed the missing teen was staying there, the affidavit says.

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“They spoke with adult resident Heather Crowley outside on her porch,” the affidavit says. “She initially denied knowing where (the teen) was or that he was at her residence.”

While speaking with Crowley, deputies saw the teen jump from a second story window, the affidavit says.

“He was said to be wearing a dark blue shirt, Superman PJ bottoms and no shoes,” the report says.

Deputies attempted to locate him without success, the affidavit says.

“Heather initially denied knowing anything about (the teenager), then admitted he had been staying at her residence for approximately five months,” the report says.

The woman said she was told that he ran away because he was being abused at home, but “didn’t know why she didn’t contact law enforcement or children services.”

There is no new court date in the case.

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