APPOMATTOX — A 28-year-old Appomattox County man is in jail being held without bond after being arrested on multiple charges related to the abduction and rape of a 14-year-old Missouri girl.

According to a State Police press release, Edward E. Anderson is charged with abduction with intent to defile, statutory rape, object sexual penetration and possession of child pornography. Anderson is being held at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail.

“Virginia State Police were alerted Christmas day of a missing 14-year-old girl who was being held against her will at a residence in the Spout Springs area of Appomattox County,” State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said. She said troopers “responded to that area and went door-to-door searching for the girl. She was located at Anderson’s residence and safely recovered without incident.”

The 14-year-old victim was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital. She has since been reunited with her family in Missouri, Geller said.

“Further investigation revealed Anderson had met the girl online and traveled to her residence in Missouri Dec. 22 … The two then drove to Appomattox County. The 14-year-old was able to text a family member Dec. 25 … The family member then contacted state police,” she said.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.