(KAIR)--A teenage runaway from Jefferson County had been in the company of a registered sex offender.

WIBW-TV reports the teen and 21-year-old Jacob Cowles were both located following a search launched Sunday.

Despite concerns that the teen had been abducted, Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig told the TV station the teen left with Cowles willingly.

The teen apparently had returned home following the search, which led his parents to notify authorities who in turn located Cowles and placed him under arrest.

Cowles faces numerous charges, including aggravated criminal sodomy, indecent liberties with a child between the ages of 14 and 16, and solicit to engage.

Following his arrest, Cowles was booked into the Jefferson County Jail.