Recovered; Aug 30, 2005

Jodie Collie, who went missing from her home last Friday, has been found safe in Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines police found Jodie at the city's bus station shortly after 9 p.m. EDT. She had called her grandfather, who then called the FBI, which notified police in Des Moines. Police say she was by herself and unharmed. Jodie was taken to Broadlawns Medical Center for examination. Police say that there were no signs of physical injury. "Of course, she was emotionally distraught at this time," Des Moines Police Sgt. Brian Vance said. Authorities said Denkler first met Jodie Collie two years ago when he worked at a convenience store on the outskirts of Rocky Mount. He later spent eight months in prison after being convicted of taking indecent liberties with a 14-year-old girl. He spent another two months for failing to register as a sex offender. Authorities have not said when they expect Jodie Collie to return to Rocky Mount. "The hugest weight has been lifted off my shoulders," said Kim Baker, Jodie Collie's mother, Tuesday night. "All the prayers I've been praying have been answered. She's safe and she'll be back soon. I think we'll all be fighting to see who hugs her first. I don't think I'll let her go for a couple of hours."

Police gave Jodie's family another reason to rejoice on August 31, 2005. Cops caught up with Denkler in Colorado after the fugitive made a few bad moves. Investigators say Denkler attempted to steal gasoline from a service station in Logan County, Colorado. Police chased down the alleged bandit, and when they caught up with him, learned the driver behind the wheel was Denkler.