Police: Georgia teen with autism reunited with family after Westchester man lured him to NY

It took investigators nearly a week to locate 16-year-old Jahon Fuller, who they said was hiding in the suspect's closet inside his Eastchester home.

News 12 Staff

Nov 5, 2021, 10:30 PM

Updated 1,067 days ago

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A teen with autism from Georgia has been reunited with his family after police said a man from Westchester County lured him to New York last week.
It took investigators nearly a week to locate 16-year-old Jahon Fuller, who they said was hiding in the suspect's closet inside his Eastchester home.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office said they believe Fuller and 26-year-old Mark Valente met online through video games.
Fuller went missing from his parents' house in Douglasville, Georgia, on Oct. 27. 
That's when police believe Valente drove from New York to Georgia to pick the teen up and brought him back to Westchester County. It's still unclear what his motives were.
Investigators said the quick thinking of the victim's mom may have saved his life.
"She was monitoring his gaming system, so as soon as he went missing, she was able to give vital information," says Capt. Trent Wilson, of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
Valente is in custody in Westchester and charged with interstate interference with custody and awaits extradition to Georgia where he could face additional charges.