Jacksonville truck driver accused of kidnapping two children, family of children speaks out

A Jacksonville truck driver was arrested after investigators say he kidnapped two children, a brother and sister 12 and 14 years old.

According to family, the children and 47-year-old Marshall Pendergrass were former neighbors in Jacksonville.

Police say Pendergrass kidnapped the children from their home in Texas and drove them in his semi truck to Arizona.

Investigators said police found the children being held against their will in the sleeper cab of Pendergrass' semi-truck.

Investigators said the kids appear to be OK physically.

Pendergrass is in custody and faces federal charges. Action News Jax did not find a criminal history for Pendegrass locally

A family member says the children left their cellphones behind and are in disbelief someone the family knows is accused in the kidnapping.

They say text messages on the phones helped lead investigators to Pendergrass.

The Arizona FBI says Pendergrass appeared in court Tuesday.