News Headlines

Local Man Arrested and Charged with Abduction

Posted: 3:11 PM Jul 27, 2012
Reporter: Brian Kaufman

Local Man Arrested and Charged with Abduction

“A 13 year-old female from the Toms Brook area was reported missing by her family. The family also indicated that there was some type of relationship going on with the accused,” says Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office Major Scott Proctor.

The accused 40 year-old Bryan Coffey of Edinburg is charged with abduction of the 13 year-old girl.

Proctor says, she was found unharmed hiding in his house. This is the second time this week something like this allegedly happening. Wednesday, we told you about 22 year-old Jose Miguel Diaz-Ramos. Deputies say, he had a sexual relationship with a 13 year-old. They say, the girl's father found several text messages that concerned him.

“We have to protect our community. We have to educate our community and our children,” says Sergeant Mark Lahman of the Winchester Police Department. “Our children are the foundation of what comes next. They're the future.”

Part of protecting and educating the children comes from parents. Both Major Proctor and Sergeant Lahman say parents should be nosy.

“It's just like anyhting when you're a parent. You really have to be, for lack of a better word, vigilant,” says Proctor. “I tell parents all the time, don't be afraid to be intrusive, in other words, getting involved in your child's life.”

“It's up to us as parents. We need to take responsibility, step up to the plate, educate your kids. Your children are your children,” says Lahman. “They're going to be your children if they're 13. They're going to be your children if they're 18. That's never going to change.”

Coffey is being held in Shenandoah County jail without bond. He’s scheduled to appear in court in September.