UPDATE from 6pm Friday
PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Scioto County Sheriff's deputies continued their search Friday for a missing 5-year-old girl, hidden away by her mother in a bitter child custody dispute.

Family and friends of little Jaelyn Rice's father, who lives in Florida, said they fear for the child's physical and mental well-being. Jaelyn is listed on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Web site.

The girl's mother, Cherish Lewis of Wheelersburg, Ohio, was jailed nearly a month ago for refusing to tell a judge where her daughter was hidden.

The mother's sister, Jessica Lewis, is now wanted by police for interfering in custody.

Officials with a legal aid group assisting the Lewis family said evidence shows the father is an abusive parent, allegations the rice family denies.

Scioto County Sheriff Marty Donini said this investigation is frustrating because it puts a 5-year-old child in the middle of some adult legal differences.

If you have any information that might help deputies find Jaelyn Rice, please call the Scioto County Sheriff's Department.

For much more about this developing story, click on the video link above.

The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office has issued an arrest warrant for 19-year-old Jessica Lewis of Wheelersburg, Ohio. The warrant charges Lewis with “interference in custody.”

The case involves 5-year-old Jaelyn Rice.

Rice’s biological mother, 22-year-old Cherish Lewis, is currently in the Scioto County Jail after failing to reveal the child’s whereabouts. She has been in jail since a hearing on July 24. Jessica Lewis is Cherish Lewis’ sister.

Investigators say Jessica Lewis and Rice were believed to have been staying at a residence on Coriell Road in Minford until the end of July when they fled the area.

Detectives believe Lewis and the child are still in the Tri-State area.

Sheriff Marty Donini says the investigation has been difficult and frustrating because additional information indicates that known acquaintances of the biological mother are possibly aiding in delaying the child's recovery.

Donini also says that any person who knowingly interferes, impedes, or causes a delay in the safe return of the child will be arrested.

Anyone with information on the pair is asked to call the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office at 740-354-7566.