UPDATE: Missing Brunswick County children found safe; father charged with abduction

UPDATE: The two missing children have been located and are safe. The father, Brandon Wilcox, is in custody.

Supply, NC (WWAY) —  Two Brunswick County children who were the subject of an AMBER Alert have been located and are safe, and their father is now in custody facing felony charges, authorities confirmed.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office said 35-year-old Brandon Wilcox has been arrested and charged with two counts of abduction of children following the incident involving his sons.

Authorities had previously issued an AMBER Alert after the children were reported missing Friday in the Oak Island–Supply area and believed to be with their father in violation of a court-issued custody order.

According to investigators, concerns about the children’s welfare were raised after contact with the Department of Social Services, prompting law enforcement involvement and a search effort across the area. Deputies had attempted to locate Wilcox and the children at a residence on Southeast Frying Pan Road in Supply, but they were gone when officers arrived.

Court documents state Wilcox is accused of taking two minors from the custody of the Brunswick County Department of Social Services, which was “lawfully entitled to” their custody, placement and care. Officials allege he was not authorized to have custody of the children at the time of the incident.

In the update, authorities confirmed the children have since been found safe. Wilcox is currently in custody and, according to court records, is “not authorized” to be released at this time.

The investigation remains ongoing.