Virginia Mother Reported Missing Amid Child Abuse Allegations Confirms Family’s Well-being
In a recent development, Lauren Cook, a Virginia mother who had been reported missing earlier this month in the midst of child abuse allegations, provided reassurance regarding her and her three children’s welfare.
The missing persons inquiry was initiated on September 13 when Lauren Cook failed to attend a rescheduled court appearance at the Franklin County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, a makeup date for her initial absence on September 5.
Lauren Cook, along with her three children – 7-year-old Benjamin Cook, 5-year-old Hannah Cook, and 2-year-old Elijah Cook, had been declared missing. In contrast, her husband, Jordan Cook, maintained that his family was not missing.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia posted on Facebook that 30-year-old Lauren Cook and her children were last seen on September 5, and their efforts to establish contact with her remained fruitless.
Lauren Cook Breaks Her Silence
Lauren Cook, aged 30, communicated with ABC 13 News through an untraceable video call app.
“I still lack concrete answers regarding the situation,” she expressed.
The situation initiated with an anonymous report to social services, alleging child abuse, which Lauren vehemently denies. Despite the ongoing investigation, she claimed to have received legal counsel, allowing her to proceed with a pre-planned Labor Day vacation. She extended the trip upon receiving legal advice, fearing her children’s potential removal.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Cook family’s status will continue as missing until they establish direct contact with the authorities.
Lauren Cook expressed concern, stating, “The entire ordeal has left me feeling somewhat apprehensive about the situation with law enforcement. Why do they insist on my physical presence with my children when the person who made the report affirms that none of us are missing?”
Lauren added, “Of course, I wish I could return. It’s difficult not being able to come back to your own home.”
Authorities have been reached out to by Fox News Digital.
According to Jordan Cook, neither he nor his wife missed any social service appointments. The social services case, as reported, was dismissed this week, per his attorney.