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CHARITON COUNTY -- A Chariton County woman is in custody after allegedly faking an abduction that involved her young daughter.

The two were found unharmed overnight in Linn County.

Chariton County Sheriff Chris Hughes said the mother, 28-year-old Rachel Koechner, was taken into custody for making false allegations that she and her 4-year-old daughter, Zoee Sandners, had been abducted.

Koechner's ex-husband, Devon Sandners, was taken into custody for outstanding warrants for forgery charges.

Both are awaiting formal charges.

Hughes said Zoee is fine and in the state's protective custody.

Koechner and her daughter were reported missing Thursday evening by Rachel's mother. They had been last seen in Rothville, Mo.

Police said Rachel called authorities from a Blue Springs motel, but no one was there when police arrived Monday morning.