DECORAH, IOWA – A missing child, possibly exploited by drug-induced parents, has been located outside Decorah after the couple was sighted at Walmart.
On Thursday, May 17, Winneshiek county dispatch received a call of a possible sighting of the Ray family – wanted by authorities as possible drug users who took their daughter without authorization – in an area Walmart. A short time later, another call was received regarding the vehicle traveling just north of Decorah. Winneshiek County Deputies located and stopped the vehicle on Quarry Hill Road.
As a result of the stop, William Ray, Jessica Ray and 2-year-old Dakota Ray were located in the vehicle. Dakota Ray had been entered as a missing and exploited child since April 15, 2018. William Ray was arrested and charged with felony theft, operating a non-registered vehicle, no valid drivers license, failure to provide proof of financial liability, theft 5th degree. Jessica was arrested for theft 5th degree.
In addition to the Winneshiek County charges, William also had an outstanding arrest warrant out of South Carolina. William and Jessica were both transported to the Winneshiek County Jail. William will remain incarcerated awaiting the extradition process to South Carolina.
Dakota Ray was placed into the custody of the Department of Human Services where she is being cared for.
This case remains under investigation and additional charges are pending.
The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Decorah Police Department and the Winneshiek County Attorney’s Office.
