ST. PAUL — The husband of a woman who vanished nearly 18 years ago has been arrested and could be charged with her death in Ramsey County.

The woman was 38 years old when she was reported missing by her mother on May 12, 1997. Investigators and friends say that just before she disappeared, she was preparing to leave her husband of 10 years.

The man has denied any involvement in the disappearance. The Star Tribune says the case was reopened in 2012 based on tips that followed a TV news story on the case. Ramsey County sheriff’s officials obtained a search warrant and excavated evidence from the back yard and basement of the home where the couple had lived in White Bear Township.

The husband is expected to appear in Ramsey County District Court Wednesday.