Gracelyn Pratt: Amber Alert issued for Wyoming girl, 14, in ‘grooming situation’ with 36-yr-old man
CASPER, WYOMING: An Amber Alert has been issued for Wyoming and Montana as a consequence of a "grooming situation" involving a 14-year-old girl and a 36-year-old male. Josselyn Jeanne of Casper announced on Facebook Wednesday night, November 16 that her 14-year-old daughter Gracelyn Pratt went missing after skipping school that day, according to authorities.
According to the Casper Police Department, the girl was reported as a runaway. "She is assumed to be picked up by James Martin," a 36-year-old man who resigned his job that morning, according to Jeanne. Martin and the girl had left town together, according to the authorities.
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She speculated that the two might be on their way to Devils Tower or Cody. Martin was said to be driving a black Ford F-150 double cab with the license plate 1 - 3 6 9 2 9. The vehicle description was the only thing listed on the Amber Alert. The truck has a "lift kit," according to police.
According to Chris McGuire, the Wyoming Amber Alarm coordinator, the alert was sent to Montana as well because the couple could be on their way there. McGuire believes it is a "grooming situation." According to the Casper Police Department, the girl had "long-term communication" with an adult family acquaintance.
As reported by Cow Boy state Daily, "Detectives learned that Martin and Gracelyn recently had been seen together in the days leading up to Gracelyn being reported as a runaway," a Thursday statement by the department read.
"It is believed at this time that Gracelyn is with Martin, and Martin is interfering with the legal custody of a minor child in violation of Wyoming State Statute," the statement reads, adding that both the girl and the male have been seen in Martin's vehicle.
According to the statement, Gracelyn is 5'1" tall, weighs 109 pounds, and has blue eyes and blonde hair. Martin stands 5'10, weighs 260-300 pounds, and has blue eyes and brown hair. "If you see Martin, Gracelyn, or the 2014 black truck, please contact the Casper Police Department at 307-235-8278 or 911," reads the statement. "For general investigation inquiries, please contact the Casper Police Department's Det. Jacobs at 307-235-8286," Cow Boy state Daily reports.