By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
A missing 15-year-old Decatur girl has been found safe, while a former Tennessee sheriff’s deputy faces criminal charges connected to her disappearance.
Decatur police reported that the teenager, who had been missing since earlier in the week, was located Monday in White County, Tennessee. White County Sheriff Steve Page identified the arrested man as Brian Schalk, a former deputy with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department.
Schalk has been charged with statutory rape and harboring, according to authorities. He remained in the White County Jail following his arrest. The charges are allegations, and Schalk is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Investigators said deputies worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to locate Schalk and recover the teenager safely. Authorities also credited automated license-plate-reading cameras—commonly called Flock cameras—with helping officers track the suspect.
The case has attracted considerable attention across North Alabama because it involves a missing child and a defendant who previously served in law enforcement. Officials have not publicly explained how Schalk allegedly met the teenager or how long they had been together.
Because the girl is a minor and an alleged victim of a sexual offense, Speakin’ Out News is withholding her identity.
The investigation remains active, and prosecutors could release additional information as they review the evidence. It is not yet clear whether Schalk could face additional charges in Alabama or Tennessee.