2 accused of holding Unity girl against her will

A 13-year-old girl who ran away from home told police that her Unity neighbors held her against her will in a basement overnight, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Lorrie Jean Bauer, 56, and Timothy Michael Bauer, 55, were lodged in the Westmoreland County Prison Sunday on charges of concealing the whereabouts of a child and interference with the custody of a child.

After an argument on Thursday with a family member, the girl took off on foot at about 7:20 p.m., police said. While she was walking in the neighborhood, Lorrie Bauer invited the girl into her home and tried to comfort her.

According to the affidavit, the girl told police she repeatedly tried to leave the house, but Lorrie Bauer “insisted she should come inside” and said her “mother probably isn't looking for her.”

The girl spent the night in the basement, allegedly at Lorrie Bauer's direction, and when a family member knocked on the door looking for her the next morning, Lorrie Bauer allegedly told the girl to be quiet and go downstairs.

The girl eventually went home and reported the incident to police Friday afternoon. Both Bauers told investigators they weren't sure why they didn't call police or take the girl home, according to the affidavit.

Their bonds are set at $25,000. Preliminary hearings are set for July 24.