CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, S.C. -- The body of Erica Parsons has been found, according to a law enforcement source.
NBC Charlotte has learned the body was discovered in Chesterfield County.
In August, Rowan County Sheriff's Investigators obtained new leads that confirmed Erica was more than likely deceased. On Tuesday, FBI Special Agents and Rowan County detectives located the skeletal remains of a young girl. The remains were taken to the State Medical Examiner's Office, where they were identified to be that of Erica Lynn Parsons.
Chesterfield County Sheriff Jay Brooks says Erica's body was found in a small grave on a dirt road about a mile south of Highway 9 between Pageland and Mount Croghan.
Sheriff Brooks confirmed Friday that Sandy Parsons, Erica's adoptive father, was brought from prison to point out exactly where Erica Parsons was buried.
After her remains were found, Sandy was immediately taken back to federal prison where he and Casey Parsons, Erica's adoptive mother, are both serving sentenced for fraud charges related to the disappearance of Erica. Sandy Parsons was convicted of 43 fraud charges at federal trial in October 2014 and Casey Parsons pled guilty earlier that same month.
The Medical Examiner is now working to determine Erica's cause of death.
Erica was reported missing by a relative on July 30, 2013. The relative advised investigators he had not seen Erica since November of 2011 when she was 13-years-old.
Erica's adoptive parents said the girl went to stay with relatives in the Asheville, North Carolina, area and had not seen her since. Sheriff’s Investigators determined that information was not true.
The FBI, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations continued to follow leads related to the case, leading them to North and South Carolina, as well as California.
On Friday, FBI Special Agent John Strong said, "There is no way to adequately explain the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who have worked tirelessly for the past three years to find Erica."
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also assisted in the campaign to publicize Erica’s disappearance with updated missing posters.
“Erica had not been seen by family members for more than a year and a half before anyone notified law enforcement. For that reason, finding Erica has proven to be a challenge, we’ve faced many obstacles, but we will not stop looking for this little girl. She deserves to be found, she deserves for someone to come forward and help us find her,” said Sheriff Kevin Auten.
“The recent discovery of Erica Parson’s remains is heartbreaking. There is no way to adequately explain the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who have worked tirelessly for the past three years to find Erica. Erica’s adoptive parents, Sandy and Casey Parsons are serving federal prison sentences related to fraud uncovered by the FBI during the missing child phase of the investigation. As the case moves forward determining exactly how Erica died and whether or what criminal charges apply will be a state issue. The FBI will continue to offer support as appropriate to our law enforcement partners at the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office as their work continues,” said John Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Charlotte Division.
A press conference will be held next week.