Jourdan Flake, a 16 year-old runaway, returned home Wednesday afternoon.
Jourdan had not been seen by her parents since Friday morning. Jennifer Flake, Jourdan’s mother, said she had contact with her for a few days via Facebook, but recently that contact had stopped. After returning, Jennifer said Jourdan felt like a criminal.
“I don’t want any runaway, because there’s currently one more that’s running, I don’t want them to think they’re criminals, unless they’re doing criminal activity,” Jennifer said. “Jourdan, I think, just got caught up in the chase.”
Prior to Jourdan’s return, Jennifer said she believed Jourdan had been coerced into leaving by a friend, Latasha R. Harris-Pearson, 19, of Newton. Jennifer said Harris-Pearson had a no-contact order preventing her from contacting Jourdan. This order, Jennifer said, stemmed from a Sept. 2 incident that resulted in Harris-Pearson being charged with serious assault, fifth-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree criminal mischief, interference with official acts and underage possession of alcohol by a minor.
Jennifer requested the no-contact order because of Harris-Pearson’s “violent and destructive behavior.”
“She came over to our house and assaulted our daughter,” Jennifer said.
Jennifer said Jourdan’s departure was very uncharacteristic of her since she is close to her family, especially her sister and nephew.
“She’s not a menace to society,” Jennifer said. “It’s who has her. That’s the menace to society.”
Since Jourdan is 16, Jennifer said there was no action the school district could take to get her back into school.
“The school’s pretty much washed their hands of Jourdan,” Jennifer said. “Sixteen years old isn’t old enough to make life-changing decisions.”
Newton Senior High School Principal Bill Peters did not immediately return phone calls Wednesday. Wednesday afternoon, Jennifer hadn’t seen her daughter yet but knew she was safe.
“I am elated and happy that she is home and safe,” Jennifer said.
Staff writer Dave Hon may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 425, or at dhon@newtondailynews.com.