Update (September 24, 2019): Following an extensive search for a missing New Jersey 17-year-old, police in Philadelphia have located the teen believed to be a victim of human trafficking.
Aviana Weaver was found alive and safe Monday in Philadelphia by authorities, CBS Philly reports. She vanished September 12 under strange circumstances. Photos of the teen reportedly appeared on human trafficking sites leading family members to suspect the worst.
According to a statement from the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office, the teen is currently being reunited with family.
"Aviana Weaver has been found safe in Philadelphia by Philly PD," the statement read. "She is in the process of being reunited with her family. Out of respect for Aviana and her family, no further details will be released. Thanks to all who provided assistance."
Original: A Westampton, New Jersey, mother searching for her missing 17-year-old said photos of the young girl appeared on human trafficking websites during the extensive investigation.
Aviana Weaver was reported missing September 12. For nearly a week, police have conducted searches in two states in connection to her possible whereabouts. Her mother, Angelica Scarlett, told radio station New Jersey 101.5 that her daughter was last seen in Mount Holly, New Jersey. However, according to CBS Philadelphia, Aviana's phone was located 23 miles away from Mount Holly in West Philadelphia.
The 17-year-old is of mixed race. She is Black, white and Latinx, around 5 feet 4 inches tall and 200 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Scarlett received two text messages from unrecognized numbers in the days following Weaver's disappearance. On September 12, the first message — supposedly from the Rancocas Valley Regional High School senior — said the teen was on the way home from school after doing homework at a friend's house.
Two days later, a second message came through claiming the teen was being held against her will. Degrading photos of Weaver were discovered around the first two days of the police investigation.
“We have pornography pictures and my daughter looked completely upset and unhappy in these photos,” Scarlett told the station. “[Investigators] believe she is in danger of being held against her will. She’s 17 and she looks upset.”
By September 15, investigators in New Jersey and Philadelphia received information tracing Weaver to North Philly, near the intersections of Broad Street and Erie Avenue. The teen's phone number was constantly changing, leading to suspensions that burner phones were being utilized.
“That failed,” Scarlett said in the radio interview. “Her phone was there but they’re changing her number constantly. She doesn’t have her phone anymore. They’re using flip phones or burner phones or something.”
Heavy reports Weaver may have been seen in Philly on September 18 around 1 a.m. with a woman named Genesis. Family members close to the girl are still searching on foot. Police are asking anyone with tips to come forward. Tipsters can reach the Westampton Township Police at 609-267-8300.
Have you seen #AvianaWeaver?!?!?! #Philly
#WestPhiladelphia
#BurlingtonCountyThey believe she is a victim of human trafficking.
If you have any information on her whereabouts, please call Westampton Township Police at 1-609-267-8300 pic.twitter.com/fJF92yeQvw
— TEE FRANKLIN @ CINCINNATI COMIC EXPO BOOTH 436 (@MizTeeFranklin) September 19, 2019
“She’s never done this before,” Scarlett told the station. “This is her senior year. She went to school for the first few days and then disappeared. She missed an eye doctor appointment. She doesn’t have any clothes. This is not like her. She hasn’t been known to be on any drugs. We don’t have family or friends in Philadelphia. It’s completely out of character and scary.”