(Ames, Iowa) – Officials with the Ames Police Department today (Thursday), said a six-year old girl missing since Oct. 13, 2023, was located safe Wednesday (February 14, 2024), on Peaks Island, off the coast of Portland, Maine. Authorities say Avery Lydia Doherty was unlawfully removed from the State of Iowa by her mother, 41-year-old Esther Bender, in violation of a court order. Bender, of Ames, was arrested on Peaks Island and charged with Violation of Custodial Order.

The Ames Police Department issued thanks to the Story County Sheriff’s Office, Maine State Police, Portland (ME) Police Department and the FBI for their assistance in this continued investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Ames Police Department at (515) 239-5133 or the anonymous tip line (515) 239-5533. You may also contact Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa at (515) 223-1400. Online anonymous tips may be submitted to www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com.