Arrest Made in Disappearance of Ohio 20-Year-Old Sierah Joughin, Though She Has Not Been Found

staff@people.com (Adam Carlson)
Updated

A 57-year-old man has been arrested and charged with abduction in connection with the disappearance of an Ohio woman, PEOPLE has confirmed. The missing woman, 20-year-old Sierah Joughin, has not been found, but authorities said Friday they have "no reason" to believe she is dead.

James Dean Worley was arrested about 3 a.m. Friday, Fulton County Sheriff Roy Miller said at a news conference later that day.

Miller said there was no connection between Worley and Joughin that he was aware of.

"Our No. 1 goal here is we still haven't located Sierah," Miller said.

He urged anyone with information to contact authorities at 419-225-4010. Joughin is 5-foot-5-inches and weighs 130 pounds, with brown and black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen riding a purple bike, which has since been recovered in a cornfield, wearing neon clothing and sunglasses.

Worley is charged with abduction, according to jail records. He appeared in court later Friday and will next appear in court July 27, Miller said.

Miller said he believes bond was held for Worley. It was not immediately clear if Worley had entered a plea to his charge or retained an attorney.

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Arrest Made in Disappearance of Ohio 20-Year-Old Sierah Joughin, Though She Has Not Been Found| Crime & Courts, Kidnapping, True Crime
Arrest Made in Disappearance of Ohio 20-Year-Old Sierah Joughin, Though She Has Not Been Found| Crime & Courts, Kidnapping, True Crime

Worley's arrest came thanks to "old-fashioned police work" and after much neighborhood canvassing, Miller said Friday. The state's Bureau of Criminal Investigation, state police and the FBI have all assisted with the investigation.

Authorities are still seeking anyone with information about a motorcyclist seen on County Road 6, which Joughin traveled before her disappearance Tuesday night. She had been on a bike ride with her boyfriend, who was riding a motorcycle, but the two parted amicably and Joughin never made it home.

Worley is "not saying anything" while in custody, authorities said Friday night. They declined to say how canvassing led to Worley's arrest.

Joughin's mother, Sheila Vaculik, told PEOPLE she believes "more than one person" is involved in her daughter's disappearance. Authorities declined to comment on that possibility.

"She's a strong girl. She's had self-defense classes," Vaculik said. "We've talked extensively about being aware of her surroundings and what to do if somebody takes you."

"I just want her to come home," Vaculik said.