On Friday, police arrested Steven Sheerer, a 25-year-old man who had reportedly hosted Rosie O’Donnell’s daughter Chelsea in his New Jersey home. The man was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and obscenity spread to a minor.
Police arrested the man after finding enough evidence on a 17-year-old unnamed girl’s smartphone. The police found that Sheerer was engaged in “inappropriate communications” with the girl for nearly one month.
The name of the girl was not disclosed but some people believe that it may be Chelsea who was reported missing and but was recently found. Her mother announced on Twitter that Chelsea was with the police on Tuesday night and thanked every one for their “help and light.”
The police also seized Sheerer’s computer and other communications tools at his home in Barnegat, N.J. The man is currently awaiting trial in the Ocean County Jail. He could get out if he paid a $40,000 bail bond. The court also barred him from getting in contact with the minor or her family.
Each of the man’s counts may extend jail time by up to five years.
Rosie O’Donnell’s close friend said that the actress’ daughter left home and never returned on Aug. 11. Chelsea is reportedly affected by an undisclosed mental illness and refused to take her medicines with her.
On Tuesday, the Rockland County Sheriff asked the local police to check Sheerer’s home in Barnegat. The police declined to disclose how the sheriff office learned that Chelsea may be hiding there.
Police officers indeed found the girl at the 25-year-old man’s residence. They also said that the minor was reported missing by her family. Sheerer told reporters that Chelsea had been at his home.
The police also said announced the girl was not abducted. She went to the man’s house on her own. On Tuesday night, O’Donnell also thanked the police officers who found her missing child.
On August 11, Chelsea left family home with her therapy dog Bear. Her mother urged all her acquaintances to help her found the girl who was “in need of medical attention” since she failed to take her pills.
The comedian also posted a series of photos of her kid and dog on various social media sites. When Chelsea was seen in New York City, Rosie posted a phone number and urged anyone who sees her to dial it or get in contact with a 911 operator.
Last weekend, South Nyack Police received several reports that Chelsea was missing. Her mom acknowledged that she stayed in touch with her daughter but never saw her since she left home a couple of weeks ago.
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