Child Abduction Advisory issued for Richmond County girl possibly in Atlanta

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Police are searching for a missing Richmond County teenager who may be in the company of a man wanted for kidnapping. Authorities have issued a Child Abduction Advisory to help in her safe return after receiving information they may be headed to the Atlanta area.

Latania Janell Carwell is described by deputies as a black 16-year-old girl, 5’04” and weighing about 160 pounds with brown eyes and long black hair. She was last seen in the 3100 block of Tate Road near Augusta.

Investigators believe she is in the company of Leon Lamar Tripp, who is described as being a 38-year-old black man, 5’11” and weighing about 202 pounds with brown eyes and short black hair and beard.

Authorities said Tripp is Carwell’s stepfather. They were last seen the afternoon of April 17. Tripp is wanted for kidnapping. Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said they may be traveling in a 1990 GMC Sierra pickup truck with Georgia tag PYT6004.

A Levi’s Call, Georgia’s AMBER Alert system, has not yet been activated in this case by authorities.