The search for two missing Adams County teens continues, with an increased concern for the well-being of 14-year-old Leticia (Tish) Chamblin. The teen was reported missing after she disappeared from her Shawnee Road home, near Jones Corner, on March 7. She is believed to be with 17-year-old Dwight Fecke, who also lives near Jones Corner. While friends and family reportedly have been contacted by Fecke, the Chamblins are still waiting to hear from their daughter.
"We're really worried," Chamblin's mother, Melody Chamblin, said Monday. "We haven't heard anything from her since this started. We don't know what happened to her."
Since last week, pictures of the missing teens have been placed on runawayteens.org and Web sites at Ohio Missing Children Clearinghouse, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and National Voice for Children. Chamblin's family and friends have distributed posters throughout the area, and a private investigator has joined the search.
"It's unusual for a child of that age not to make contact," said Tad Camp, private investigator, of Largo, Fla. "Dwight did exactly what was expected. He's been on his email and been in contact.
"Tish has not made contact, and we're meeting with resistance from certain members of Dwight's family," Camp continued. "We have a growing concern with her safety and well-being. It's possible their plans may have gone wrong, and she may not be capable, or is not allowed to call home. At this point, it may no longer be a case of a voluntary runaway."
Camp was contacted by the Chamblins after his expertise was recommended by a family member. His agency, according to Camp, donates its resources to investigate several missing child cases a year, with a 96 percent success rate.
"This case caught my eye," Camp said in a telephone interview. "It met all of our criteria, mainly because of the size of the local police department and how the case has been handled so far."
The criteria used by Camp in deciding whether or not to take a case involves the location where the missing child originated, the resources of local law enforcement, the resistance the family is meeting in finding the missing child and the income of the family.
"We've decided to put our full resources into finding Tish," Camp said. "Our only concern is bringing her home safely."
Tad Camp Investigations, Inc. has created a MySpace page for Leticia at www.myspace.com/leticiachamblin. Camp may be reached at his office by calling 727-584-1225, or on his cell phone at 727-641-7409.
"Anyone who contacts us with any information through the myspace or by telephone can do so with the knowledge that we will keep their names completely confidential," said Camp. "They can submit any information and remain anonymous."
Several deputies at the Adams County Sheriff's Office said that they have checked into leads in the case, but none have led them to the missing teens. As of press time, the sheriff's office still listed Chamblin and Fecke as runaways. Anyone with information about their whereabouts may also call the ACSO at 937-544-2391 and remain anonymous.
