Boy missing for months; Mother, boyfriend in custody

FITCHBURG, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The Worcester County District Attorney's office says a boy is missing and his mother and her boyfriend are in custody.

Investigators said 5-year-old Jeremiah Oliver was last seen by relatives on Sept. 14. Officials said they were notified that Jeremiah was missing on Friday after the boy's 7-year-old sister told a teacher she hadn't seen her brother in months.

Their investigation led to charges against Elsa Oliver, 28 and Alberto Sierra, 22.

"That little girl showed a lot of courage doing what she did," said Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early.

Oliver was arrested on two counts of reckless endangerment of a child and two counts of accessory after the fact. She will be arraigned Tuesday in Fitchburg District court. The Worcester District Attorney's office said if Oliver doesn't produce the child in court, she will be held in contempt of court.

Sierra was arraigned on two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (knife) in connection to an incident with Elsa Oliver. He also faced two counts of assault and battery on a child causing bodily injury related to an incident with Jeremiah and his 7-year-old sister. He was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.

Early said the case could be treated as a potential homicide.

Oliver's two other children are now in the custody of the state Department of Children and Families.

Jeremiah is described as 40 inches tall, weighing 40 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone who may have seen him or has any information about him is asked to call 508-832-9124 or 978-345-9648.

This is a developing story. It will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.

Cox Media Group