The missing 13-year-old girl who emergency personnel have been searching for near Camp Wartburg in Waterloo since Monday afternoon has been located and is safe.

JaTe’a Lejla Frank, of Mount Vernon, was found by Joyce Mathes, who lives on the Glessner family farm near Camp Wartburg. Mathes spotted the girl hiding near a woodline by her property just 200 yards from the camp entrance shortly after 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Frank was checked out by medical personnel and other than fatigue appears to be in good health. She has been transported to an area hospital for observation.

She was dropped off at Camp Wartburg by a taxi Monday at about 11 a.m.; she had attended camp there earlier this month but was not registered for another session. Police said she was spotted departing the taxi but never made it to the administration building.

Personnel from as many as 40 departments have been assisting the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department in the search and rescue operation, using K-9 search dogs, air support and thermal imaging.

Camp Wartburg issued the following statement on its Facebook page: “I am pleased to inform you that the police have located the young lady. She is currently being reunited with her mother and will be taken to the hospital for observation. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Camp Wartburg appreciates your support during this difficult time. Please continue to pray for this young girl and her family.”

The cab driver, Casey McPeak, 55, of Mount Vernon, has been issued a citation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department for endangering the life and health of a child.

“He should’ve used more common sense,” Monroe County Sheriff Neal Rohlfing said.

Check back for more details as they emerge.

For our original story posted yesterday, click here.