NAHUNTA – A 15-year-old female reported missing was successfully located Sunday.
Nahlani Leigh Ann “Angel” Santiago, who was last seen Thursday, January 9, 2025, was reported missing Friday, January 10 by her mother. Santiago was found Sunday night, January 12 in unincorporated Brantley County.
“We are immensely grateful this young girl has been found,” said Nahunta Police Chief Brad Todd. “I want to extend my deepest thanks to the community, our law enforcement partners, and all those who contributed to the search. This collaborative effort has brought a young girl home to her family, and that is what truly matters.” The search was aided by 11 law enforcement agencies. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was also contacted to provide assistance and resources.
Santiago left her home without permission around 10 p.m. Thursday night. The Nahunta Police Department immediately began an investigation and entered her information into the national database as an endangered missing juvenile.
The NPD interviewed several family members and friends of Santiago. Investigators utilized digital forensics to help determine Santiago’s whereabouts.
Through investigative efforts, police determined Santiago was staying in Brantley County with another juvenile and his family. It was discovered the juvenile male and his brother picked Santiago up at her residence Thursday night and brought her to their home.
Santiago reportedly took steps to conceal her location to avoid being found.
The search effort employed numerous resources, including K-9 units, helicopters, and advanced technology. The Nahunta Police Department extends its gratitude to all the agencies and organizations that provided their prompt and coordinated assistance in ensuring Santiago’s safe recovery.
Assisting in the search were the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office, Brantley County Board of Education Police, Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Georgia Department of Corrections Special Operations Division – Canine Team, Georgia State Patrol (GSP) – Aviation Unit, Hoboken Police Department, Homeland Police Department, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (Fla.), Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (Fla.), United States Marshals Service, Ware County Board of Education Police, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, media partners and Our caring Community and Neighbors.
The Nahunta Police Department urges parents to actively monitor their children’s activities, particularly on social media. While parental control tools can help, Chief Todd emphasized, “Nothing replaces a present and involved parent.”
Tips for parents to help establish healthy boundaries and foster trust with their children:
• Educate your children about the positives and negatives of social media.
• Encourage open communication. Regularly talk to your children about their day and ask about school and their online interactions.
• Set limits. Use social media as a reward and limit screen time to ensure it’s purposeful and not excessive.
• Promote alternative activities. Encourage hobbies, sports, and other interests to reduce reliance on social media.
• Build trust. Ensure your child feels safe discussing issues such as cyberbullying. Many children experience it and need to know it’s okay to seek your support.
• Lead by example. Children model their behavior on parents, so minimize your screen time to set a positive example.
If you have any further information about this case, please contact the Nahunta Police Department at (912) 462-5844.
