– From Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame
On July 27, 2026, detectives with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office received a report regarding the abduction of a juvenile.
Upon receiving the report, members of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) immediately initiated an investigation. Through the swift coordination of investigative resources, detectives developed information that led them to Charlotte, North Carolina. During the investigation, detectives utilized the department’s Flock Safety camera system to identify and track the vehicle being operated by the suspect. Investigators were able to relay the vehicle information to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, enabling officers to quickly locate the vehicle and the suspect.
As a result of the coordinated investigative efforts, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers safely located and recovered the juvenile without injury. The child was taken into protective custody by law enforcement and has since been safely reunited with the juvenile’s parent.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers also located and apprehended Candice Deyoung, a 44-year-old white female from Wake County, without incident. Deyoung was charged with Abduction of Children and transported to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center Central. Detectives with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office subsequently arranged for Deyoung to be transported to the Vance County Detention Center, where she is currently being held pending judicial proceedings.
Sheriff Curtis R. Brame commended the outstanding work of the investigators and assisting law enforcement agencies for their quick response, professionalism, and teamwork that resulted in the safe recovery of the child.
“The safety of our children remains one of our highest priorities. I want to commend our Criminal Investigation Division and our partnering law enforcement agencies for their dedication, professionalism, and relentless efforts that led to the safe recovery of this juvenile and the apprehension of the suspect. Their commitment to protecting our community is truly appreciated.”
The Vance County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and all law enforcement personnel whose cooperation, communication, and coordinated efforts contributed to the successful resolution of this case.
Because this investigation involves a juvenile, no additional identifying information regarding the child will be released.
This investigation remains active. Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 252.738-2200, call 911, or contact Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252.492.1925.
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