Missing teen case reclassified as truancy
A collective sigh of relief swept the community after 15-year-old Tegan Quitano, who was reported missing last week, was found, and according to authorities, staying with a family member.
However, according to the Department of Public Safety, as of yesterday afternoon, the case had been reclassed to one of truancy.
Truancy is any intentional, unjustified, unauthorized, or illegal absence from compulsory education. It is a deliberate absence by a student’s own free will and usually does not refer to legitimate excused absences, such as ones related to medical conditions.
Assistant chief of police and acting public information officer Simon T. Manacop shared with media that despite efforts to contact and locate the teen, detectives believe that Quitano refuses to return to her immediate family.
The DPS has issued a reminder to the community that Quitano is still a minor, and anyone found sheltering her without parental consent could possibly face criminal charges.
“CIB would like to remind the community that Tegan is a minor child, and that no consent was given by parents/guardians to house or shelter her,” said Manacop. “Those assisting in sheltering a minor without consent may be charged with a criminal offense.”
Quitano was initially reported missing after she failed to attend school for several days, prompting widespread concern and a community-wide search. Last seen in Kagman, she was believed to have been picked up by an SUV, sparking fears for her safety.
DPS detectives, who have been working tirelessly on the case, have shifted their focus to addressing the underlying issues of truancy. Earlier yesterday morning, Manacop shared that DPS was working with Department of Youth Services on communicating with the teenager to find out if she’s safe.
The circumstances surrounding Quitano’s refusal to return home are still under investigation, and the DPS continues to urge anyone with information or recent contact with Quitano to come forward. The community’s cooperation has been invaluable, and authorities are hopeful that ongoing efforts will help resolve the situation amicably.
Those with information about Quitano’s truancy case are encouraged to contact the DPS Criminal Investigation Bureau at (670) 664-9042, DPS Headquarters at (670) 664-9001, or Crime Stoppers Hotline at (670) 234-7272 if they wish to remain anonymous.
As Quitano’s case transitions from a missing person investigation to a truancy matter, the DPS remains committed to ensuring that all involved parties, particularly the minor, receive the support and guidance they need. Further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
Tegan Quitano
