Drake Bell has been found "safe", Daytona Beach police have confirmed, after they made contact with the former child star after he was declared "missing and endangered."
Sharing an update on their Facebook page the Daytona Beach police wrote: "** UPDATE: 4/13/2023 1:26p.m. – At this time, we can confirm law enforcement officials are in contact and Mr. Bell is safe."
Earlier today they had taken to Facebook, to declare the actor, 35, missing.
At the time they wrote: "Officers are looking for Jared Bell, DOB 06/27/1986, He should be traveling in a 2022 grey BMW and his last known location is potentially the area of Mainland High School on 4/12/2023 just before 9p.m.
"He is considered missing and endangered. If you know where he is or have any information, please contact Detective Jayson Wallace at 386-671-5207 or [email protected]."
Confirming that it was a legitimate appeal, the police added: "For those asking, this is a legitimate post from the Daytona Beach Police Department. If you have any information, please contact Detective Jayson Wallace."
Prior to his disappearance the actor had recently completed a two-year probation sentence after he pled guilty to child endangerment in June 2021.
He had been arrested earlier that month in Cleveland, Ohio, on charges relating to "attempted endangering [of] children and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles."
In 2018, he had been reported to the police by a then-19 year old woman, who alleged that the actor had groomed her since she was 12 years old.
After pleading guilty to child endangerment Drake released a statement, which read: "Today I accept this plea because my conduct was wrong. I'm sorry that the victim was harmed in any way – that was obviously not my intention.
"I have taken this matter very, very seriously, and again I just want to apologise to her and anyone else who may have been affected by my actions."
During the 2021 trial, the victim, who has remained anonymous, called the actor “the epitome of evil”, and claimed that their conversations became “blatantly sexual” once she turned 15.
Following his guilty plea, Drake was sentenced to two years of probation and 200 hours of community service, which he completed in California.
Sentencing the star, Judge Timothy McCormick told the court: "There were serious and disturbing allegations made here today but we can't lose focus on what he pled to. He did not plead to sexual misconduct.
"However, a grown man does not engage in inappropriate text messages to a teenager."
READ NEXT:
Click here for today's top showbiz news
Queer Eye star Tan France expecting second child with husband Rob
Love Island's Faye Winter hints that Teddy Soares ‘cheated’ before split
Police officers who mocked Katie Price's son Harvey found guilty of gross misconduct
For the latest showbiz exclusives, sign up to our daily OK! Newsletter
Source: Read Full Article
