Owego Man Arrested in Amelia Lawrence Kidnapping Case in Tioga County

When Amelia Lawrence was found alive and well early Wednesday morning, October 7, the relief reached far beyond Nichols. Neighbors and first responders came together, and people across the Southern Tier shared her missing-person alert and waited for word. Many of us are still watching to see how this case unfolds, and there is a new development.

The Tioga County Sheriff’s Office says its Criminal Investigation Division made a second arrest in connection with the case on October 9, 2026. The man arrested is 41-year-old Lukas J. Cartwright of Owego, NY.

Owego Man Lukas Cartwright Charged in Tioga County Kidnapping Case

Cartwright is charged with second-degree kidnapping, a class B felony. He also faces fourth-degree conspiracy and second-degree perjury, both class E felonies.

The first arrest came on October 7, when Danielle N. James of Nichols was charged with second-degree kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child.

CAP Court Arraignment Sends Cartwright to Tioga County Jail Without Bail

Cartwright was arraigned in CAP Court in front of Justice Patrick Hogan. He was remanded to the Tioga County Jail with no bail.

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Tioga County Investigation Into Amelia Lawrence’s Disappearance Remains Active

The sheriff’s office says the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information can contact the Tioga County Sheriff’s Office at 607-687-1010.

The charges against Cartwright are accusations. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. If any information in this story changes, including if charges are reduced, dismissed, or dropped, please email us so that we can update this article.