Sheriff’s Office Locates Missing Clay County Juvenile in Wisconsin, Suspect in Custody

JANESVILLE, Wis. — A missing juvenile from Clay County, North Carolina, was safely located in Wisconsin on August 12, 2025, following a swift and coordinated investigation by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Cherokee Indian Police Department, and the Janesville Police Department. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Adam Vladimir Gurney of Janesville, Wisconsin, was taken into custody without incident and faces pending charges in North Carolina for felony abduction of a minor.

Sheriff Mark Buchanan

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office launched the investigation after receiving a report of the missing juvenile on August 12. Investigator Steven Smith, assigned to the case, quickly uncovered evidence indicating the juvenile had been transported out of state to Wisconsin.

Through collaborative efforts with the Cherokee Indian Police Department and the Janesville Police Department, authorities located the juvenile and apprehended Gurney.

Gurney is currently in custody in Wisconsin, awaiting extradition to North Carolina, where he will face charges related to the abduction. The investigation remains ongoing, with forensic analysis of digital evidence underway to further clarify the circumstances of the case.

To protect the juvenile’s privacy and maintain the integrity of the multi-jurisdictional investigation, authorities have stated that no additional details will be released at this time. The successful recovery of the juvenile highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in resolving critical cases swiftly and safely.