Auburn, NY -- State police filed multiple charges against a Hillside Children's Center employee who they said helped a 17-year-old girl escape from the center in August then allowed to stay at his home with him and his wife for months.

John E. VanDusen, 30, of 3330 Franklin St., was charged with escape in the second degree and custodial interference.

Police said they discovered an illegal marijuana-growing operation at VanDusen's home and also charged him with second-degree criminal possession of marijuana and unlawfully growing cannibis.

VanDusen's wife, Megan VanDusen, 28, was also charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the second degree and unlawfully growing cannibis.

Police said they found more than a pound of processed marijuana in the VanDusens' home.

The teen, who stayed with the VanDusens from August until sometime in December, has been located and returned to the care of social services, police said.

Hillside said John VanDusen was suspended without pay from his job. "We are in full cooperation with the New York State Police and will provide any further information they may need for the investigation," Hillside said in a written statement.

In addition, officials at the facility are investigating the incident, a spokesman said.

Hillside provides services to youth who have social and behaviorial challenges. The Auburn campus includes a residential facility that provides intensive treatment that is unique in the state, the spokesman said.

Both VanDusens were arraigned in Sennett and sent to Cayuga County jail. John VanDusen was jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail. Megan VanDusen's bail was set at $1,000.

Contact Charles McChesney at cmcchesney@syracuse.com.