FAIRFIELD, Texas - A coordinated effort between the Fairfield Police Department and the Freestone County Sheriff’s Office led to the recovery of a missing 15-year-old girl from Denton County on Sunday, and the arrest of an 18-year-old man on a child pornography charge.
Authorities were first notified on November 23 that the juvenile runaway was believed to be traveling in a white Ford pickup. The Denton County Sheriff’s Department had been tracking the teen’s phone, which appeared to ping near the Whataburger in Fairfield. Officers checked the restaurant but were unable to locate the vehicle.
A few minutes later, deputies responded to an unrelated call at the Tractor Supply store. While assisting at the scene, Freestone County deputies spotted a white Ford pickup matching the earlier description in the parking lot. Three individuals were inside the truck.
Investigators confirmed that the 15-year-old passenger was the missing teen from Denton County. The other occupants were identified as a 17-year-old male and an 18-year-old male. The group reportedly told officers they were headed to Houston to meet friends.
After receiving consent to search the vehicle, officers found evidence that resulted in the arrest of the 18-year-old, identified as Riley Cole Smith, on a charge of possession of child pornography. The 17-year-old was released at the scene. The juvenile was later returned to Denton County and reunited with her family.
Fairfield police say the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges, including possible human trafficking offenses, are under review.
The department thanked K9 Corporal Silas and K9 Farock with Fairfield PD, along with Lieutenant Darby, Deputy Thompson and Deputy Aultman with the Freestone County Sheriff’s Office, noting the recovery was the result of strong teamwork between the two agencies.
