The mother of 7-year-old murder victim Willow Long has been charged with obstructing police.
The Effingham County State's Attorney's office says 26-year-old Ciara DeRyke is accused of obstructing the work of sheriff's deputies during the initial investigation into Long's disappearance last September.
The obstruction charge is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail.
Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler says authorities do NOT believe DeRyke had anything to do with the murder of her child.
Ciara's brother, Justin DeRyke, is charged with murder in Long's death. His trial will likely begin early next year.
