CORPUS CHRISTI, TX—Austin Carlin, 19, of Corpus Christi, has been charged in a criminal complaint for violating the federal kidnapping act, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

According to the federal criminal complaint filed this afternoon, Carlin abducted a child from her residence in the early morning hours of Feb. 22, 2015. Carlin allegedly stole a vehicle and drove out of Corpus Christi with the child. An Amber Alert was immediately disseminated in pursuit of Carlin and the child.

Authorities pulled Carlin over as he drove on Interstate 10 approximately 350 miles west of San Antonio. Law enforcement was able to arrest Carlin and successfully recover the child and return her to her family.

Carlin is in custody and expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason Libby tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.

If convicted, he faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 fine.

The charges are the result of the investigative efforts of the FBI, Corpus Christi Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.