East Brunswick, N.J. — A 17-year-old boy who had been reported missing was found hiding in a crawl space in his mother's basement nearly two days after police were notified, and his mother was arrested on an obstruction charge, East Brunswick police said Monday.
Police return yields discovery
East Brunswick police said officers took Jennifer Buckley, 48, into custody about 3:30 p.m. Thursday on suspicion of obstruction of the administration of law. The arrest came roughly 44 hours after the teen's father called police to report that his son was expected home at about 6 p.m. Tuesday but had not returned.
According to a police statement provided to NBC News, the father's initial call was logged at 7:47 p.m. Tuesday. The mother told police her son was not at her residence and expressed concerns that he might be a danger to himself.
Detectives, however, "identified several discrepancies in the information they had obtained" while investigating the whereabouts of the juvenile, police said. After returning to the residence to continue their inquiry, officers searched the house and located the teen hiding in a crawl space in the basement.
Family dispute and investigation details
The boy's father, Matthew Buckley, 50, told NBC News he believed the teen had been staying with his ex-wife the entire time and said he was not worried about his son's safety. "Honestly, I wasn't too worried," Matthew Buckley said. "I knew she was pulling some BS like she always does."
"Honestly, I wasn't too worried. I knew she was pulling some BS like she always does."
Authorities noted a piece of evidence that raised suspicion during the investigation: Jennifer Buckley contacted the teen's high school during the period he was reported missing seeking records. The father said that request struck him as unusual while the family was reporting the child missing.
What police said and next steps
East Brunswick police emphasized that when a juvenile is reported missing — particularly when there are concerns for the child's safety — officers take the report seriously and investigate. The department did not release additional details about the circumstances that led to the teen's concealment in the crawl space or whether any charges beyond obstruction are being considered.
Jennifer Buckley did not immediately respond to multiple messages left at publicly listed phone numbers seeking comment. Police did not release the names of the juvenile beyond stating his age.
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, ~6 p.m. | Teen scheduled to be dropped off at residence; did not arrive. |
| Tuesday, 7:47 p.m. | Father called East Brunswick police to report teen missing. |
| Wednesday–Thursday | Detectives investigate and identify discrepancies in information provided. |
| Thursday, ~3:30 p.m. | Officers return to residence, find teen hiding in basement crawl space; mother arrested on suspicion of obstruction. |
Local impact and context
The incident highlights tensions that can arise in custody or separation situations and underlines the challenges police face when conflicting accounts are provided during missing-persons investigations. East Brunswick, a Middlesex County township, has relied on structured protocols for juvenile reports to ensure the safety of young residents while investigators sort through conflicting information.
Legal observers note that obstruction charges in missing-persons cases often stem from interfering with an investigation, providing false statements or withholding information. The specific charge filed against Jennifer Buckley is suspicion of obstruction of the administration of law; prosecutors decide whether to file formal charges after receiving police reports and evidence.
What residents should know
- If you believe a juvenile may be missing or in danger, call local police immediately and provide as much accurate information as possible.
- Conflicting family accounts can slow investigations; investigators may seek school records, phone records and witness statements to corroborate timelines.
- Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact East Brunswick police through the department's non-emergency line.
Authorities did not provide further information Monday about the teen's condition or any ongoing child welfare referrals. The case remains under investigation by East Brunswick police.
