Man charged in teen’s 9-month disappearance

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A New Hampshire man was arrested today and charged with kidnapping 15-year-old Abigail “Abby” Hernandez more than nine months ago sometime after she left Kennett High School in Conway.

Nathaniel Kibby, 34, was arrested without incident at his Gorham home, about 30 miles north of where the girl lives, and was charged with felony kidnapping, authorities said.

Police allege Kibby knowingly confined Abby, then 14, on Oct. 9, sometime after she left school to walk to her home in North Conway. Abby returned home the night of July 20, but authorities have not explained the circumstances of her return.

Attorney General Joseph Foster said today law enforcement officials have worked around the clock to determine the facts surrounding the girl’s disappearance and return. He said Abby provided the police with details of her kidnapping that led to Kibby’s arrest.

Kibby is scheduled for arraignment Tuesday at Conway District Court. It was not immediately known if Kibby has a lawyer. Foster said he will have a press briefing after the arraignment.