MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies said four children who were reported missing last week are safe.
Investigators said the children’s mother, Joyce Nieves, turned the children in to deputies Tuesday afternoon.
"She had made some statements that members of the community had come to her and encouraged her to do the best thing for her children,” said Marion County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lauren Lettlier.
Nieves and the children’s father, James Dieffenbacher, ran off with their children, Aryanna Nidia Robles-Nieves, 15, Totty Dieffenbacher-Nieves, 3, Aubriella Dieffenbacher-Nieves, 5, and Malachi Dieffenbacher-Nieves, 2, when they found out the state was investigating them for at least a second time this year.
Deputies said investigators with the Department of Children and Families obtained a search warrant last month to look into an abuse complaint.
They said Nieves has a history of drug abuse, domestic violence and living in unsanitary conditions.
Nieves posted on the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page two days ago saying, “I have no record of drugs or violence.”
She also posted a photo that she said she took when she brought her children to see Santa and eat pizza at a mall last week.
Neither Nieves nor Dieffenbacher face any charges.
The children were in good health and are in DCF custody, deputies said.