Knox County Sheriff Stephen P. Luce announced as of 7 p.m. Thursday, the sheriff’s department in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and state agencies have been in contact with the Anita Hernandez, step mother of Perla Hernandez, 14, subject of Tuesday’s Amber Alert.

Luce has been in telephone contact with Anita Hernandez, who is currently in Mexico. Through conversation with Hernandez, Luce is working toward her turning herself in to federal authorities at the U.S./Mexico border.

She has assured local authorities that the missing child is safe and there has been no harm done to her.

From the start of the Amber Alert, the Knox County Sheriff’s Department has been in constant contact with the FBI. Currently FBI special agents are assisting the sheriff’s department on returning the missing child to her parent in Indiana.

The Amber Alert has not been cancel led and remains active and in effect.