WCDO Radio News

46-year-old Cindy Fortner pleaded guilty to 2 counts of 4th degree conspiracy, in connection to the kidnapping of her teen daughters. Shaeleen and Kylea Fortner were abducted in April 2015 while they were living with foster parents, they were found at the home of Amanda Hellman of Vestal, who has already pleaded guilty to kidnapping charges. Cindy Fortner will be sentenced on September 20th.

46-year-old Cindy Fortner of Homer is expected to plead guilty in Broome County Court this afternoon to Conspiracy, in connection with the abduction of her teenage daughters, Shaeleen & Kylea Fortner, from the Town of Binghamton. Prosecutors accused Fortner of arranging her daughters April 2015 abduction and was an accomplice along with 29-year-old Amanda Hellmann of Vestal, who already pleaded guilty to kidnapping & will serve 10 years in prison.

29-Year-old Amanda Hellman of Vestal pleaded guilty Thursday afternoon in Broome County Court to 2nd degree kidnapping. Hellmann faces Sentencing on July 11th, Hellmann kidnapped 14 year old Shaeleen Fortner & 16 year old Kylea Fortner, they were located in March, 47 year old Cindy Fortner who is the girl’s biological mother, was also charged in connection to their kidnapping, she is being held in the Broome County Jail pending court action.

State Police have announced a 2nd arrest in connection with the April 2015 kidnapping of KyLea Fortner and her sister Shaeleen Fitch-Fortner. the teens were found last week at 327 Torrance Avenue, Vestal, at the home of 29 year old Amanda Hellman, who was charged with 2nd degree kidnapping. on Friday, the girls mother, 36 Year old Cindy Fortner of Homer was also charged with 2nd degree Kidnapping, she was arraigned and was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. Anyone with information is requested to contact 775-1241. The investigation is continuing.

State Police reported that KyLea Fortner and her sister Shaeleen Fitch-Fortner, who were reported as teen runaways in April of 2015, were found at 327 Torrance Avenue in Vestal. Both girls were turned over to the Broome County Family Services. State Police received and investigated numerous leads, information was developed which indicated that they were present at the Vestal address. State Police arrested 29 year old Amanda Hellman of Vestal, for 2nd degree Kidnapping. Hellman is a family acquaintance of the victims, she was arraigned in Town of Vestal Court & was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. Anyone with information can call 775-1241, The investigation is continuing.

State Police are currently looking for 2 teenaged sisters from Binghamton, who have been missing since April 27th, they were last seen at Susquehanna Valley School waiting to get on the school bus that afternoon. Ky-Lea Fortner is a 15 year old, white female, 5’ 6” tall and thin build, with medium red hair, blue eyes and a lip piercing, she was wearing a white shirt, army pants and gray boots. Shaeleen Fortner is a 13-year-old white female, who is about 5’ 2” and thin build, with short dark brown hair and brown eyes, she was last seen wearing a black tank top, black leggings and converse sneakers. Any one with information should contact the State Police at 775-1241.