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3-year-old Haven Moses found safe after Amber Alert, alleged abductor still sought

Posted at 2:45 PM, Feb 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-08 00:25:52-05

SCOTTSVILLE, Va. -- Three-year-old Haven Melina Moses has been located and is safe, according to the Fluvanna County Sheriff's Office. Virginia State Police has confirmed the Amber Alert for Haven has been terminated.

The Amber Alert was issued for Haven Sunday afternoon. The child, who was believed to be in extreme danger, was last seen Saturday night at 5128 West River Road, Scottsville, Virginia. Police identified her likely abductor as her biological father, 25-year-old James Arnold Moses III.

Haven was located in Augusta County, where Moses lives, according to the Augusta County Sheriff's Office.

Haven was last seen Saturday night in the home of her caregiver in Scottsville, Va.

Brian Shifflett says his family has been caring for Haven for the past year, at the request of her mother. He says he was home with the child Saturday evening, when Moses showed up at the home and asked to take Haven on a quick visit.

Shifflett says he was unaware that there was a protective order against Moses or that he had recently been released from prison on charges of child abuse involving another child. Shifflett said his family, including his aunt, were heartsick until they learned that Haven was located safely.

"We were really worried, my aunt did everything she could to locate them. It's just been really stressful," Shifflett said.

Police have not confirmed where exactly Haven was located in Augusta County or who she was with at the time of discovery. Several police agency are still looking for Moses at this time.

If anyone has knowledge about the possible whereabouts of James Moses, please call the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office at 434-589-8211.

Haven is now in the custody of child protective services.

Amber Alert

"Haven was last seen at a caretaker’s home in Fluvanna County near Scottsville," the Fluvanna Sheriff's Office posted online. "Haven’s biological father, James Arnold Moses, age 25 from Lyndhurst, Virginia, came to the residence and took Haven from the dwelling in violation of a protective order."

"James Moses was driving a light colored sedan, possibly a Honda, at the time. James Moses may also be driving a brown Ford Explorer with Virginia registration of VKS-6171," the Sheriff's Office added. "Haven Moses is considered a missing endangered juvenile and all efforts are being done to locate her as quickly as possible. Warrants have been obtained against James Moses for abduction and violation of a protective order."

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