Mom of abducted Zimmerman 7-year-old speaks out for the first time

The mother of a 7-year-old girl who was reportedly abducted in Zimmerman earlier this month is speaking out for the first time since her daughter was found.

In a press release from Eckberg Lammers Attorneys at Law, Mikailah Nelson released a public statement, thanking first responders and the community for their support.

“I am beyond grateful and incredibly proud of law enforcement and everyone in the community who made our little girl a priority and helped bring her home,” she said. “As we focus on healing and recovery, we’re grateful to have the support to help us guide through what comes next.”

Joseph Andrew Bragg, 28, has been charged in connection with the incident and is facing one count of kidnapping and one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

READ MORE: Man charged with kidnapping, sexually assaulting 7-year-old Zimmerman girl

Charging documents allege Bragg abducted the girl outside her home on Jan. 21 when she got off the bus from school. Bragg then reportedly took the girl to a hotel in Plymouth using a Lyft ride and sexually assaulted her.

Bragg then began driving her towards the Iowa border in a rented vehicle, court documents state.

The girl’s disappearance triggered an AMBER Alert across the state.

Bragg and the girl were found by Albert Lea police around 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 22, after officers found a vehicle matching the description provided by investigators. Bragg was arrested, and the girl was reunited with her parents.

Attorney Imran Ali of Eckberg Lammers will represent the family at a pro bono rate as they navigate upcoming court proceedings against Bragg.

“The tenacious work of law enforcement led the capture of this monster. This is an extremely difficult and emotional time for the family,” Ali said. “They are caring for their daughter, participating in a criminal investigation, and trying to process what they’ve been through. My role is to help protect their legal interests so they can focus on healing.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with “essential needs” including costs related to recovery, therapy and family stability.

GoFundMe is working to verify the fundraiser’s authenticity. Once verified, KSTP will share the link.
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