FAIRFIELD – The Fairfield Police Department announced an update to the investigation into the disappearance of a 15-year-old juvenile this month. A North Carolina man faces charges from multiple jurisdictions, and authorities will eventually seek to transport him to Jefferson County.

The investigation into the missing juvenile began last week, on August 17. Police say that, through the course of the investigation, they identified 25-year-old John Michael Johnson of Reidsville, North Carolina as a suspect. With assistance from the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina, the missing juvenile was safely located and placed into protective custody the same day they were declared missing.

Yesterday, the Fairfield Police Department requested a warrant for Johnson’s arrest in the state of Iowa for Kidnapping in the 1st Degree, a class A felony, in addition to charges he already faces in Rockingham County.

Authorities say Johnson will remain in the custody of the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office on their charges until arrangements are made for his transport to Jefferson County for a court appearance. The case remains an active investigation with both the Fairfield Police Department and the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, and additional charges may be filed.

Police say that support and tips from community members and the victim’s family were vital in the successful resolution of the case.