SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah authorities say two teenage girls found after more than year on the run with their mother will return to their father’s care, though they may investigate abuse allegations against him.

Orem police Lt. Craig Martinez said Monday that police had long suspected 16-year-old Sydney and 15-year-old Danielle Wolferts were in hiding with their mother, but couldn’t track her down until someone called 911 early Sunday morning.

Brian Wolfers, Topeka, has legal custody of the girls, and his lawyer says the abuse allegations have already been investigated and aren’t true. Attorney Ron D. Wilkinson says the girls haven’t been in school or gotten therapy they need.

Mother Sonja “Michelle” Wolferts tells KUTV news in Salt Lake City that she moved around the area, staying with friends in an effort to protect her daughters.