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Sources: Remains of missing Mass. boy, 5, likely found

BOSTON - The body of a small child was found in the woods in Sterling, Mass. Friday and sources believe it is the remains of missing 5-year-old boy Jeremiah Oliver, CBS Boston reported.

The child, from Worcester County, Mass., has not been seen alive since Sept. 14, 2013, and has long been feared dead, investigators told the station.

Last month, a grand jury indicted Elsa Oliver, 28, and boyfriend Alberto Sierra, 23, on charges including kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and reckless endangerment for their alleged involvement in Jeremiah's disappearance, according to the station. They are being held on high bail. Three other people allegedly involved with the case are charged with interfering with a criminal investigation and misleading police.

Three Department of Children and Families (DCF) workers were fired and a fourth was disciplined in the aftermath of the child's disappearance, CBS Boston reports. The DCF was handling the family's case, but an internal investigation found that staff missed multiple opportunities to engage with the family.

The station says Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early will hold a press conference about the case at 2 p.m. Friday.


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