The parents of Jacob Wetterling released the following statement Thursday regarding the announcement by authorities that Danny James Heinrich has been named as a person of interest in Wetterling's disappearance 26 years ago.

The Wetterling family would like to thank all involved in the investigation of Danny Heinrich and his crimes against children. The search for Jacob is an ongoing investigation and we will watch and learn with everyone else. Right now we know what is being reported. We know what you all know.

For 26 long years, we have said that somebody knows something. If you know anything about this man, his ties to St. Joseph in 1989 and his victimization of children or since [SIC], please call the Stearns County Sheriff's Department at 320-259-3700 or 320-656-6625.

We also need to point out the obvious. Child pornography is a devastating, harmful criminal activity. If you know of anyone else who is engaged in looking at, producing or sharing child pornography please call the police or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (1-800-THE-LOST) so that these people do not harm another child.

We are so grateful for the prayers, the support and the Hope shared in our search for Jacob and the search for answers. Who took Jacob? Where is he? What happened?

Today we ask for a little time. We will be available for comment next week but ask for some space at this point in time. We have no further comment.

With hope,

Patty and Jerry Wetterling

Read more:

Person of interest named in disappearance of Jacob Wetterling

Read the criminal complaint against Danny James Heinrich

Timeline of events in Jacob Wetterling case