Authorities had been looking in vain for Bonita Sanders since February. That's when police got a tip about where the body of the toddler also named Bonita Sanders may have been left in September 1986. A search of the area did not reveal any evidence.
Authorities also said they wanted to question the child's mother. But she could not be found until Tuesday.
Abdul Salaam spotted her during his regular bike ride around Atlantic City.
She was arrested for contempt of court in unrelated cases. She has not been named a suspect in her daughter's disappearance.
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