OMAHA, NEBRASKA – Authorities have confirmed that Sophia Franklin, the juvenile at the center of an Amber Alert issued on February 3, 2025, has been safely located in Nebraska.
The Beaver Dam Police Department in Wisconsin announced that Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a tip on April 2, leading them to Franklin near Omaha, Nebraska. She was found in the company of Gary Francis Day, 40, who matched the suspect’s description in her disappearance.
Suspect in Custody, Franklin in Protective Care
Law enforcement officers positively confirmed their identities, resulting in Day’s immediate arrest. Franklin was taken to a secure facility while awaiting reunification with her family.
Day was booked into the Sarpy County, Nebraska jail in the early hours of April 3.
Suspect’s Troubling Criminal History
Court records reveal Day’s extensive criminal background, including charges of child abuse and domestic violence:
🔹 Independence County, Arkansas (Prior Case) – Day was convicted of first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor after his four-month-old son was found with a broken femur and other injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. He received 72 months probation, which was subject to revocation in February following a petition and an arrest warrant.
🔹 Lonoke County, Arkansas (2023 Case) – Charged with second-degree domestic battery for allegedly assaulting his four-year-old son.
🔹 December 2024 Incident – Franklin was previously found at Day’s Lonoke County residence during a probation check. She attempted to flee but was apprehended. Day was charged with interference with child custody and contributing to the delinquency of a minor before Franklin was returned to Wisconsin.
🔹 February 2025 Abduction – Franklin’s father reported her missing again after surveillance footage showed her entering a vehicle driven by Day. Authorities in Dodge County, Wisconsin subsequently charged Day with child abduction and enticement.
Online Grooming & Legal Violations
According to court documents, Day and Franklin began communicating online in April 2023. By July 2023, Day had transported Franklin to Arkansas. A recent petition alleges Day violated multiple bond conditions, including deception about his relationship with a minor from Beaver Dam.
Law Enforcement & Community Cooperation
The Beaver Dam Police Department has expressed gratitude to the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies for their collaborative efforts in Franklin’s recovery. Authorities also acknowledged community members across multiple states who shared critical leads that helped locate Franklin.
As the legal proceedings against Gary Francis Day move forward, Franklin’s family can finally breathe a sigh of relief knowing she has been found safe.
