Five-year-old Great Falls girl missing for two years recovered in Pennsylvania

A 5-year-old Great Falls girl was found in Pennsylvania this month after allegedly being taken by her non-custodial mother two years ago.

The U.S. Marshals Service announced the safe recovery of Sydney Rearden and the apprehension of Tracy Rearden of Big Sandy in a recent news release.

An arrest warrant was issued in Cascade County for Rearden in July 2017 after she allegedly took custody of her daughter who was then 3 years old.

The Montana Violent Offender Task Force adopted the case and coordinated with the Great Falls Police Department and the Cascade County Attorney’s Office on a fugitive and missing child investigation.

On March 8, the MVOTF contacted the marshals with information that Rearden was in the Exton, Pa., area. The Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force acted immediately and began searching for her.

Marshals located a vehicle Rearden was believed to be operating in the 500 block of Merioneth Drive.

Surveillance was established, and shortly after noon, investigators observed Rearden and her daughter exiting the home. Officers blocked in Rearden’s vehicle and took her into custody without incident.

Her daughter was recovered safely.

During the arrest, Rearden was found to be in possession of two firearms for which she will face charges in Chester County, Pa.

Criminal justice reporter Traci Rosenbaum reports on law enforcement issues for the Tribune. Have ideas or questions for Traci on her beat? Reach her at trosenbaum@greatfallstribune.com or 406-791-1490. Follow her on Twitter @GFTrib_TRosenba.

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