Christopher M. Derleth, 39, Edwardsville

A week after they disappeared from the Edwardsville area, a man and the two children he is accused of abducting have been located 500 miles away in West Virginia.

Christopher Derleth, 39, was arrested Sept. 24 at a remote campsite near the mining town of Kayford, WV, on warrants issued in Madison County for aggravated kidnapping and child abduction.

Found with him – apparently unharmed — were his stepdaughter, 13-year-old Katherine Derleth and her three-week-old son, also named Christopher, according to West Virginia authorities.

Sheriff’s deputies in Bond County say they have been investigating Derleth, and another man with whom Katherine had been living, in connection with her pregnancy.

Katherine Derleth and her son were last seen on the evening of Sept. 17 at their foster residence in Edwardsville. The two were reported missed the following morning, when a man hunt for the trio began. Christopher Derleth was charged in absentia in connection with the alleged abduction on Sept. 18.

Following the elder Derleth’s arrest, Katherine, who reportedly has a congenital heart defect that requires the use of a pacemaker, and her newborn son were taken to a West Virginia hospital for evaluation. Both were said to be in good condition.

Kanawha County (WV) Sheriff’s Department deputies they tracked down the three after Christopher Derleth used his credit card at a convenience store near the town of Cabin Creek on Sept. 23 and was seen on surveillance video.

He and the two children were located at the campsite about 1:30 p.m. the following day.

Until recently, Christopher Derleth had been living with his stepdaughter in Bond County. Then on Aug. 16, a restraining order was issued, prohibiting him from contact with the girl. At that time, Katherine was placed in the Edwardsville-area foster home.

Her son was born Sept. 1.

Christopher Derleth is married to Ketherine Derleth’s mother, Jennifer Derleth of Granite City

Christopher Derleth is awaiting extradition to Illinois. West Viriginia authorities are expected to Katherine Derleth and her son to the Metro-East by airplane this week, according to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Once authorities were notified the three were missing last week, Illinois State Police issued an AMBER alert and law enforcement agencies launched a nationwide search.

 Derleth was reportedly the subject of an investigation of abuse charges in 2015, however, authorities emphasize no charges were issued as a result.

— Missing Southern Illinois teen and her baby found, stepfather in custody — ,