After disappearing more than two weeks ago, Angelic "Anji" Dean was found July 9 by the Clark County Sheriff's Office.
Camas teen Angelic “Anji” Tracy Dean, missing from her home since June 23, was found July 9.
According to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, detectives located Dean Wednesday afternoon at Clackamas Town Center in Happy Valley, Ore., approximately 18 miles from where she lives in Camas.
“Anji was contacted by detectives within the mall,” a CCSO press release states. “She was interviewed and then reunited with her family in Clark County.”
According to a post on the website “Help Find Anji,” her parents, Terry and Lynda Jorgensen, thanked the many people and organizations that assisted with the “rescue” of their daughter.
“For now, we thank the media, the public and the thousands of people that helped us bring our daughter home,” the post reads. “We especially thank NWCAVE and the Sheriff’s Office for working together, and in 16 days we were able to save [and] find our daughter.”
No specific details about the circumstances surrounding Dean’s disappearance, or her condition when found were provided, except “she is OK this evening.”
During the past week, media outlets across the nation have reported on her disappearance. News stories posted on the internet were read and shared by thousands. Law enforcement received nearly 150 phone tips, as well as others through social media.
“It is clear that the local and national news coverage, as well as the wide spread sharing of this family’s story via social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, was integral in leading us to her safe return,” said Sgt. Kevin Allais.
After Dean’s disappearance, her parents found an ominous journal entry that said in part, “If you are reading this, I’m either missing or dead.”
Law enforcement officials and others involved with the case had speculated that the 17-year-old Camas High School student may have been lured into the sex trafficking industry.
NWCAVE, the National Women’s Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation Against Women, has been working with the family throughout the ordeal at the request of the Sheriff’s Office.
Allais said the investigation, which includes the crime of human trafficking, is still being conducted.
This story will be updated as additional details become available.
