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Update
Boy missing from Queen Creek found safe, parents face charges
(PCSO)
Kelly Conklin
(PCSO)
Melissa Conklin
(PCSO)
Kelly ‘KJ’ Conklin
Posted
Independent Newsmedia
A boy who has been missing since Tuesday has been found and is safe, authorities said Saturday.
The parents of 12-year-old Kelly ‘KJ’ Conklin have been arrested on child abuse charges, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office said.
“While investigating the disappearance of Kelly ‘KJ’ Conklin, detectives interviewed his parents and other children in the home,” a PCSO statement said.
“Kelly Conklin, 46, and Melissa Conklin, 39, were taken into custody on other child abuse charges. The charges are not directly related to the disappearance of the 12-year-old.”
Sheriff’s office officials said there were eight children in the house, located in San Tan Valley, from ages 1 to 17.
There were five adopted children - including KJ, two foster children and one biological child, according to PCSO. The Department of Child Safety has taken custody of the children.
Kelly and Melissa Conklin face endangerment, abuse and neglect of a minor charges, authorities said.
Before being found, the 12-year-old was seen last at the Walmart in Queen Creek at about 8 p.m. Dec. 20 after being reported missing earlier in the day.
