Missing South Carolina Family Found in NE Iowa

The search for a missing South Carolina girl, last seen at an Iowa hospital, has ended in Northeast Iowa.

Authorities in Camden, South Carolina had been concerned about the well-being of 2 year old Dakota Ray. She was in the custody of her parents, 44 year old William Ray and 36 year old Jessica Ray, who reportedly are heavy methamphetamine users.
The family had been been reported missing since April 15th; they were apparently driving cross-country in a van, and were headed for Minnesota.

However, on Thursday, the family had been sighted in a Walmart in Decorah. The Winneshiek County Sheriff received another report that the Ray's were spotted traveling north of Decorah.

Officers located and stopped the vehicle on Quarry Hill Road.

William Ray was arrested on charges of felony theft, operating a non-registered vehicle, no valid drivers license, failure to provide proof of financial liability, and theft-5th degree. William also had an outstanding arrest warrant from South Carolina.

The mother, Jessica, was also charged with theft-5th degree.

Both parents were taken to the Winneshiek County jail, where William will remain, awaiting the extradition process to South Carolina.

The child, 2 year old Dakota Ray, was unharmed; she was placed into the custody of the Department of Human Services.

The incident remains under investigation, and more charges could be filed.