WILLIAMSBURG — A Brown County man is facing a misdemeanor charge in connection with authorities' search for an 8-year-old Williamsburg boy reported missing early Friday.

        Donald Worstell, 31, was charged with obstructing official business after Dustin Patrick Coyne, 8, and his mother, Melissa Grubbs, were found safe with him at his home on Old State Road about 8:30 a.m. Friday, Brown County Sheriff's Chief Deputy John Dunn said.

        Police said Mr. Worstell told them earlier that Dustin and his mother were not there, despite knowing that police officers and firefighters were looking for the boy.

        “We did confirm that they had been there the whole time,” Williamsburg Police Chief James Fritz said. “He was told earlier that we were conducting a search for the child.”

        More than 30 emergency personnel searched overnight for Dustin. They did a door-to-door canvass of Williamsburg and used search dogs from the Clermont County Sheriff's office, Chief Fritz said.

        Mr. Worstell is a friend of Ms. Grubbs, Chief Fritz said. He said no charges are expected to be filed against the boy's mother, who lives in Williamsburg.

        Dustin was reported miss ing about 1 a.m. Friday by Ms. Grubbs' mother, Marcella Comberger. The boy had been staying with her even though Ms. Grubbs has custody, Chief Fritz said. Family members had been looking for Dustin since about 9 p.m. Thursday.

        The search was called off when police received a tip that Dustin and his mother could be at Mr. Worstell's home, the chief said.

        He said the whole thing could have been avoided had Ms. Grubbs told her mother she was taking Dustin.

        “We take this thing very seriously,” the chief said. “It was a thoughtless act on the part of this mother. I'm kind of angry over the whole thing.”

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