Marlin "Lilly" Dean Talks About Investigation, Allegations

In her own words, Marlin Dean defends her father, Commissioner Scott Dean, amid speculation and allegations.

It's been almost a month since she fled for Mexico with her boyfriend and her siblings removed from their home in Harlem.

Columbia County investigators have waited for the 17-year old's return, to question her about the D-FACS investigation.

The teen spoke exclusively with Ashley Campbell, explaining why she left for Mexico and claiming that her father did nothing wrong.

"I just want to tell them it's not true. Nothing happened," said Marlin Dean.

Marlin Dean-defending her adopted father, Columbia County Commissioner Scott Dean.

Marlin broke her silence on Facebook Thursday, stating: "...he didn't do all those things...I have the last word...they can say anything but it's not true."

Then Marlin spoke with 26 News over the telephone.

"Did you put these recent posts about your father on Facebook," asked reporter Ashley Campbell.

"Yes I did," responded Marlin.

Marlin says after she heard allegations against her father, she felt the need to speak for herself, putting what she calls "lies" to rest.

"He never did anything to me. He loved me. He didn't want to hurt me- he would never do that," said Marlin.

Marlin also says her other four siblings need to be with their father.

"They don't have a choice, but I need my dad to be with them too because he loves them very much," said Marlin.

"To anyone who says that you're father did something bad to you or harmed you- what do you say to them," asked reporter Ashley Campbell.

"They don't know him. He's the best person ever. He's a good man. He's the best man and father I ever had. Don't say bad things about him...it's not true," said Marlin.

So, why did Marlin flee to Mexico with her boyfriend?

She says it was because of her relationship with adopted mother, Renee.

"My relationship with my mom was not ok and we never got along. I don't know what was wrong with her. Sometimes I felt like she was jealous of me and my dad," said Marlin.

Marlin says she felt like she had one parent, instead of two.

"I never had a mom. I felt like I only had a dad , not a mom and I wasn't ok with that," said Marlin.

When 26 News asked Marlin if she planned to return home, she said not now, but maybe when she's 18 in May.

"Finally, if you could say something to your father who will probably be watching this, what would it be, " asked reporter Ashley Campbell.

"Don't give up. I love him very much and I'm sorry about all the things people are saying about him," said Marlin.

Columbia County Captain Steve Morris tells 26 News the investigation into the Dean family is still ongoing.

26 News contacted Scott Dean and his wife Renee about our interview with their adopted daughter.

The commissioner would not comment about the investigation, but says he is happy Marlin is safe.

Renee Dean tells us she hopes this will be over soon so the entire family will be together again for Thanksgiving.