NC man faces charges in abduction of 2 girls

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Authorities say a North Carolina man faces charges in the abduction of his two adopted daughters, including a 12-year-old who is eight months pregnant.

A statement from the Iredell County, N.C., sheriff’s office Wednesday said 40-year-old Matthew Hess faces charges of child neglect and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Authorities say Hess left a note with his estranged wife a week ago saying he was taking one of the girls to school. Jeanette Hess contacted police when the 12-year-old failed to show for a doctor’s appointment.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol said troopers arrested Hess after a motorist on Interstate 40 spotted the Ford Explorer described in an Amber Alert.

Hess is in a Tennessee jail pending extradition.

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