by Lexington County, SC – A South Carolina teenager who was reported missing late last year has been found safe following a multi-week investigation, and an 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the case, authorities confirmed. Deputies say the teen was not abducted and was located within the county where she was last seen.
Incident Overview
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Office announced that Mackenzie Dalton, 16, was found safe in Lexington County after being reported missing in late November. Investigators said there is no evidence she was held against her will or forced to stay with anyone during the time she was missing.
As part of the investigation, deputies arrested Mackenzie Keith English Jr., 18, charging him with obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to investigators about his involvement and knowledge of Dalton’s whereabouts.
Timeline of Events
Dalton was last seen leaving her home in late November, according to a statement released by the sheriff’s office on Jan. 2. When she did not return and contact could not be established, authorities classified her as an endangered juvenile due to her age and the length of time she was gone.
During the investigation, deputies said they believed Dalton may have been with a man she knew. At the time, officials did not publicly identify that individual as investigators worked to determine the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Following investigative efforts, Dalton was ultimately located in Lexington County, bringing the search to a close.
Details From Authorities
Deputies emphasized that the case did not meet the criteria for an abduction or kidnapping.
“There is no indication Dalton was ever held against her will or with someone she did not want to be with,” the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Authorities confirmed that the vehicle Dalton drove away in and the suitcase she took from her home were both recovered during the investigation.
Arrest and Charges
During the course of the investigation, deputies arrested Mackenzie Keith English Jr., 18.
Key Facts About the Arrest
- Name: Mackenzie Keith English Jr.
- Age: 18
- Charge: Obstruction of justice
- Facility: Lexington County Detention Center
Authorities allege that English lied to investigators about whether he had been with Dalton and about what he knew regarding her location while she was missing. Deputies did not indicate whether additional charges may be filed as the case proceeds.
English remains in custody at the Lexington County Detention Center, according to officials.
At the time she was reported missing. Law enforcement officials credited investigative work and cooperation among agencies for helping locate her safely.
Additional Context: Endangered Juvenile Cases
When minors are reported missing for extended periods, law enforcement agencies often classify them as endangered juveniles, even in the absence of confirmed foul play. This designation allows investigators to allocate additional resources and issue broader alerts while working to locate the child as quickly as possible.
Authorities also remind the public that providing false or misleading information during an active investigation can hinder efforts to locate missing individuals and may result in criminal charges, as seen in this case.
Conclusion
The safe recovery of Mackenzie Dalton brings relief to her family and community after weeks of uncertainty. While investigators determined she was not forcibly held, the arrest of an 18-year-old man underscores the seriousness with which authorities treat missing juvenile cases and the importance of truthful cooperation during investigations.
Have you or someone you know been affected by a missing person case or community search efforts? Share your experiences in the comments below.
