Detectives say woman reported missing in Lincoln County found safe

LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — Detectives in Lincoln County say they have found a woman who was originally reported missing earlier this month.

On May 12, the sheriff’s office began investigating the disappearance of 36-year-old Laura Smith.

Detectives were told Smith was last seen leaving a home on West Highview Lane and was heading to an appointment. Smith apparently said she would be back shortly but never returned.

Deputies learned that Smith may have been with a man named George Christian Settlemyre, from Catawba County.

Smith was found safe at a convenience store on Monday and told officers she was with Settlemyre and wished to remain with him.

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