Missing South Carolina Teenager Found Safe After Monthlong Search Leads to Arrest

A South Carolina teenager who was reported missing late last year has been found safe following a monthlong investigation that resulted in the arrest of an 18-year-old man, authorities said, as reported by Fox News.

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Office announced that Mackenzie Dalton, 16, was located in Lexington County after deputies conducted an extensive investigation into her disappearance.

Officials said there is no indication that Dalton was ever held against her will or forced to remain with anyone she did not want to be with.

Mackenzie Dalton, the 16-year-old South Carolina teen who had been missing since late November 2025, has been located safely in Lexington County, according to Lexington County deputies.
Investigators confirmed that she is safe and not held against her will, and that… pic.twitter.com/b6zaZYcg57

— Just the Facts (@Daniell39173501) January 6, 2026

Dalton was reported missing after she was last seen leaving her home in late November. According to a Jan. 2 statement from the sheriff’s office, authorities classified her as an endangered juvenile at the time due to her age and the length of time she had been gone.

During the search, investigators worked to determine Dalton’s possible whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

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Deputies previously said they believed she may have been with a man she knew, though officials did not release that individual’s name while the investigation was ongoing.

As part of the case, investigators recovered the vehicle Dalton drove away in as well as a suitcase she took from her home.

Authorities described Dalton as being 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 118 pounds at the time she was reported missing.

The sheriff’s office did not release additional details about where Dalton was found or the conditions under which she was located.

Deputies arrested Mackenzie Keith English Jr., 18, during the course of the investigation. English has been charged with obstruction of justice, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Mackenzie Keith English Jr., 18, in connection with this case. He is charged with obstruction of justice. He is accused of lying to investigators about being with Dalton and his knowledge of her location.

English is being held… pic.twitter.com/xPchGwW9Sj

— Sarah Rumpf Whitten (@s_rumpfwhitten) January 6, 2026

Authorities allege that English lied to investigators about whether he had been with Dalton and about what he knew regarding her whereabouts during the time she was missing.

English is currently being held at the Lexington County Detention Center. The sheriff’s office did not release information on whether he has retained an attorney or when he is expected to make his first court appearance.

Authorities emphasized that the investigation focused on locating Dalton safely and determining whether any crimes had occurred in connection with her disappearance.

While deputies said there is no evidence Dalton was abducted or restrained, they continued to investigate statements made during the search that they say hindered their efforts to determine her location sooner.

The sheriff’s office said the case underscores the importance of cooperation with law enforcement during missing person investigations, particularly those involving juveniles.

Officials did not indicate whether additional charges could be filed as the case proceeds.

Dalton’s recovery brings an end to weeks of uncertainty for her family and community. The sheriff’s office said it will continue to handle the case through the judicial process related to the obstruction charge.

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