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An investigation is underway after a teenager accused of stealing was able to lie about her identity and be picked up by a man who was not her father or guardian.
It was on Daytona Beach where two teenage girls were caught stealing beach bags.
Investigators said one of them is a juvenile girl who gave Volusia County Beach Safety officers a fake name and date of birth, and told them 32-year-old Jarell Jackson was her father.
After investigators contacted Jackson, he showed up to the headquarters and signed a sworn affidavit, agreeing that he was the parent of the child and that he would have the child to court on the assigned date, time and location.
The problem is Jackson isn't her father or legal guardian, but Beach Safety officers let him leave with the child.
A couple of days later, they learned the girl's true identity.
Investigators then caught up with Jackson at the nearby El Caribe Resort where they said he admitted he knew she was using a fake name and knew she was listed as a runaway when he continued to harbor her.
According to an arrest affidavit, Jackson told investigators he didn’t think it was a big deal.
He allowed her to stay with him at the resort without contacting her parents.
It’s not clear how Jackson knew the girl or where her parents are.
Channel 9 asked Beach Safety officials what kind of checks officers did to verify the identities and if any changes will be made in that verification process, but has not heard back.
The girl is in custody in Seminole County and there is an ongoing investigation with several law enforcement agencies involved.
Cox Media Group
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