Missing Washington teen found safe, sheriff's office says

CAMUS, Wash. -- A missing 17-year-old girl who left behind ominous messages at her Camas home has been found safe, the Clark County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday night.

Anji Dean walked away from her home June 23. However, her family said she sent messages to her boyfriend saying, "I've been in something for a long time and I haven't told you," later adding, "They were going to kill you and my family."

Dean's mother said she also found a binder with three letters Dean left behind, addressed to the family.

"The first letter said, 'If you're reading this, I'm missing or dead,'" her mom said.

It was signed by the teen and read, "When or if you find me, I'll be all used up or dead."

Deputies said she was found at the Clackamas Town Center shopping mall in Happy Valley, Ore., but did not immediately provide any information about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

Detectives contacted Dean at the mall, interviewed her and then reunited her with her family in Clark County.

Deputies said the investigation into her disappearance is continuing.

"This is an active investigation that includes the crime of human trafficking," according to a Clark County Sheriff's Office release.