By Laura Halm
August 31, 2010
Gwinnett Broadcasting Company (GBC)

A bittersweet sigh of relief for Gabriella Taddeo, mother of 10-year-old Mario Taddeo, once missing – now found; Taddeo and his 12-year-old brother won’t be coming home.

A Gwinnett County Judge has temporarily handed custody of the 2 boys to the state. Now an investigation by the Department of Child and Family Services is under way. Missing since Monday afternoon, 10-year-old Mario Taddeo was found safe around 11 this morning at a family friend’s home in Hall County. Corporal Smith describes finding Taddeo:

“It was just one of the places we were following up, the officers that were there happened to see him (Taddeo) walk out onto the porch, stretch his arms – so he was obviously free to leave if he wanted.”

Police say Taddeo wasn’t physically hurt but the investigation is taking twists and turns, one being conflicting statements from Taddeo, his mother, and the family friend – now identified as 29 year old Christopher Ray.

“It’s my understanding that he’s a pretty close friend of the family and he watches the children on a regular basis. Mario spent many days there with his older brothers…”

According to police Taddeo voluntarily left with Ray – but Ray didn’t have permission to pick him up yesterday afternoon. Ray will be charged with Interference with the Custody of a Minor.

Searching late into the night – police canvassed Martin Forest Lane and surrounding neighborhoods with a helicopter, K-9 unit, and officers going door to door.