NEW SHARON – A 15-year-old girl discovered missing from her home earlier this month is now believed to be in the company of a 30-year-old man with ties to the Lewiston area.
Opal Swearingen, 15, of New Sharon, was reported missing on June 12, according to Franklin County Sheriff Department Detective David St. Laurent.
In the course of the missing person investigation, police say they believe Swearingen is now in the company of Charles Fontenot, 30, of Lewiston.
Authorities are seeking help from the public in locating Swearingen, as well as Fontenot, who now faces charges for his alleged role in the girl’s disappearance.
St. Laurent said that a warrant has been issued nationwide for Fontenot, charging him with sexual abuse of a minor and criminal restraint.
They were last seen in the Lewiston area in a beige Chevrolet 1500 pickup with Maine Registration plates numbered 1068-SW. Fontenot, St. Laurent added, had ties to Massachusetts, Texas and Mexico and also worked carnivals in Maine.
If either individual is located, people are asked to immediately contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s office at 778-2680 or their local police department.
Anybody know what color the truck is?
If she was reported missing just over 2 weeks ago on 6/11 why didn’t they bring it to the public’s attention at that point? I hope she is found safe – and unharmed! And the fact that he is 30 and has a 17 year old child making him only 13 at the time the child was born is just WRONG in my opinion!!! My comment might get shot down but 13? really? and a 30 yr. old with a 15 year old :(
Chris,
I have looked around on other news postings where people have asked the same question – I haven’t seen anything on the color of the truck either. Would be good info for the police to provide! If anyone knows … please post the color – any markings on the truck? also about what year the truck is as well !!
https://www.facebook.com/charles.fontenot
There are some rather disturbing posts on his facebook page!
It says in the title of the article that it is a beige truck.
Yes, we’ve confirmed it was a beige truck and have added that fact to the article.
Thank you for the update on the color – that was not there this morning when Chris and I made the comment!
Once again…. why wait 2 weeks before asking the public? (Surprised that this question keeps getting avoided)
Thanks for the update on the color. This is being passed around on Facebook a lot. I’ll try to get the info updated on http://www.facebook.com/seeking.thelost.news
I spoke with a family member who identified the color of the truck and it matches this new info. I had posted it on Facebook. Weird how this information just becomes available now and not way sooner when the report went out.
If I had to guess, I would say this girl went willingly. ???? Maybe that is why it has taken so long for the story to come out??? Just a guess. ?? Hope this story has a happy ending. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.