Stepdad Charged After Leaving State With Old Town Teen

A 44-year-old man has been charged after police say he left the state with his stepdaughter, sparking a search for the teen.

Christopher Julian was charged in Hampton, New Hampshire with interference of custody, according to WABI.

Police say the man shut off the girl's cell phone, preventing her from calling home.

Natalee Cote, 15, was reported missing after Julian picked her up from school Monday.

Police said Cote went with Julian willingly, but they had reason to believe she could be endangered.

Maine Department of Transportation message boards and Maine lottery machines were activated with information about the case.

The girl was found safe after the two checked in to the Royal Crest Motor Inn in Hampton, New Hampshire Tuesday night.

Julian, who said the incident "was a misunderstanding," was taken into custody for several hours.

Old Town police are recommending that Cote's mother seek a protection from abuse order.

Julian is expected to face charges in Maine as well.