State Police arrest two men after locating missing teenager during early morning traffic stop in Oneonta

New York – A frightening situation involving a missing teenager from Root, New York, ended with two arrests and the child safely recovered, thanks to quick action and collaboration among State Police. The incident, which began the evening of May 5, 2025, led to felony kidnapping charges and drug-related offenses against two 20-year-old men from Schoharie and Delaware counties.

According to New York State Police, troopers from the Fonda barracks arrested David J. Hadsell, of Summit, NY, and Mario A. Sierra, of East Meredith, NY, on May 6. Both were charged with Kidnapping in the second degree, a Class B felony. Authorities say the teen, who had been reported missing just hours earlier, was located unharmed in the back seat of a car during a traffic stop in Oneonta.

Read also: Students and families from Francis Parker School No. 23 come together for a joyful celebration of National Bike to School Day

The incident began unfolding around 9:00 p.m. on May 5, when troopers were contacted about a missing teen from Root. Investigators quickly discovered the teen had been communicating with Sierra on social media and had arranged to meet up—without the knowledge or permission of a parent or guardian. Sierra and Hadsell allegedly picked up the teen in a vehicle earlier that evening.

The situation escalated when the child began sending distress messages over social media, saying they were scared and unsure of where they were being taken. Law enforcement immediately launched a search.

Roughly five hours later, around 2:00 a.m. on May 6, troopers from Troop C stopped a vehicle on Main Street in Oneonta for a traffic violation. The driver was identified as David Hadsell, and the missing teen was found in the back seat, frightened but physically unharmed. Officers also discovered and seized psilocybin mushrooms, a hallucinogenic substance, from the vehicle.

Hadsell was immediately taken into custody and processed at SP Oneonta for drug possession, endangering the welfare of a child, and traffic violations. He was later transferred to SP Fonda, where he was processed on the kidnapping charge.

Meanwhile, troopers located Mario Sierra at his residence in East Meredith a short time later. He was also taken into custody and brought to SP Fonda for processing on the same kidnapping charge.

Read also: Greece residents encouraged by Supervisor Reilich to gather and honor fallen heroes at the 2025 Memorial Day Parade

Hadsell faces additional charges beyond kidnapping, including Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.

Both suspects were arraigned in Root Town Court and remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. Bail was set at $2,500 cash or $15,000 bond for each.

Police have not released the name or age of the teenager due to the child’s age and the nature of the case.

As the investigation continues, authorities are reminding parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activity and report any suspicious behavior immediately. The State Police credited the teen’s courage in speaking up and the quick response of law enforcement with helping to bring the situation to a safe conclusion.