Alabama child missing since 2002 found as young man in Ohio

(AP) — Thirteen years after he went missing from his Alabama home as a 5-year-old, a young man has been found unharmed, living under an assumed name with his father in Ohio, and authorities say the case broke open when his Social Security number raised red flags during college applications.

Julian Hernandez's mother reported him missing from the Birmingham area in 2002 after his father left her a note saying he'd taken the boy, police said.

Bobby Hernandez has been charged with tampering with records in Ohio to get a driver's license in 2012, and police say he'll face additional charges in Alabama.

Jefferson County District Attorney Brandon Falls told local media outlets that he's seeking charges involving interference with custody — a felony carrying a prison term of one to 10 years.

Lt. Kevin York said police in Alabama have been in contact with the young man's mother, who still lives in the Birmingham area.