Two Men Charged After Finding Missing Teen in North Dakota
Authorities discovered a missing Washington girl at an apartment in Mott.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Police arrested Julian Lucero and Kyle Birch on felony and misdemeanor charges after finding a missing 15-year-old girl in Mott, North Dakota. The teen was safely placed into protective custody following an investigation triggered by authorities in Washington.
Why it matters
The case highlights the cooperation between cross-state law enforcement agencies when utilizing digital tracking to locate missing minors. Authorities were alerted to the girl's location after her phone was tracked to the Mott area.
Julian Lucero and Kyle Birch face charges of corruption or solicitation of minors and harboring a runaway minor. Lucero faces an additional charge of luring minors by computer, while Birch is charged with sexual assault.
The players
Julian Lucero
He is a 25-year-old man facing charges related to the solicitation and luring of a minor.
Kyle Birch
He is a 27-year-old man charged with harboring a runaway and sexual assault.
Everett Police
This department initiated the investigation after reporting the teenager missing from Washington state.
Southwest Multi-County Corrections Center
This is the regional facility where the two suspects were booked following their arrest in North Dakota.
The details
Everett, Washington authorities traced the missing teen's phone, leading police to an apartment in Mott where the girl was recovered. Lucero allegedly purchased a bus ticket for the teen to Dickinson, where both men met her before transporting her to Mott.
Timeline
The teen was taken into protective custody on Sept. 18.
Julian Lucero and Kyle Birch were arrested on Sept. 18.
Both men made their initial court appearances on Sept. 21.
A preliminary hearing and arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 5.
Legal Context
This case illustrates the enforcement of state statutes regarding the transport and solicitation of minors across state lines. It follows the pattern of state-level prosecution for interstate crimes involving the transport of minors, which remains a focus of current law enforcement.
The discovery of the teenager in a local apartment serves as a reminder for residents to report suspicious activity involving minors in their communities. Local authorities may implement increased monitoring following incidents that involve interstate child abduction.
The takeaway
Maintaining awareness of digital interactions is essential for families to protect minors from online solicitation risks. Parents are encouraged to monitor communication tools and report suspicious behavior to local law enforcement immediately.
What happens next
A preliminary hearing and arraignment for both suspects is scheduled to take place on Nov. 5.
Further reading
Learn more about local Sex Crimes trends and reporting guidelines in the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Valleynewslive.
