A man accused of kidnapping an Auckland teen has been charged with three unrelated burglaries.
Dean Wayne Whakatau, 36, of Matata, was named by police after 15-year-old Auckland girl LA Tukerangi complained to family she had been taken against her will by the man.
Whakatau's case was called before the Whakatane District Court this morning - though he did not physically appear - and his lawyer Craig Tuck had the matter transferred to Rotorua.
Mr Tuck confirmed his client appeared on three burglary charges unrelated to the incident with the teenager.
The alleged offending took place on July 21 around the Rotorua and Tokoroa areas.
Whakatau was due to appear at noon today on the three charges, but the matter was transferred to Rotorua District Court without him making an appearance.
Whakatau was remanded in custody, where he had been since his arrest yesterday when he and LA were found in eastern Bay of Plenty.
The lawyer said he had spent five hours with Whakatau and the police yesterday and there was no indication over whether his client would face charges related to the girl.
"Their official position is that the investigation is ongoing," Mr Tuck said.
Police located Whakatau and LA at a Te Kaha address yesterday morning after receiving a phone call from a member of the public, five days after concerns were raised about her.
Police were alerted after her family received Facebook messages and texts on Saturday saying she was being held against her will and needed help.
Whakatau was remanded in custody by consent and will next appear in Rotorua District Court on August 17.
