• 19
  • February
    2012

Going through a divorce and the subsequent child custody proceedings is difficult in any circumstance. The thought of no longer seeing your child on a daily basis is heartbreaking and can cause some parents to act out of character.

A 46-year-old Maryland man is behind bars in Michigan after he allegedly kidnapped his 11-year-old daughter. According to police reports, the Rockville, Maryland, man did not have joint custody of his daughter when he took her from her home in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The girl disappeared from her home sometime between 4 and 8:00 a.m. on Feb. 5, 2012, police say. Her family reported her missing at 8:00 a.m. In a press release, Auburn Hills police officers said they suspected she was with her father, even though he does not have child custody.

About 12 hours after her family reported her missing, the girl was found with her father at an Auburn Hills home. According to the Auburn Hills Police Department, members of the public called police with numerous tips, leading to the child's safe return. The girl had not been injured.

Her father was arrested and charged with kidnapping, which is considered a felony. If he is convicted, he could be sentenced to prison for up to one year and one day. He also can be fined up to $2,000.

At the Maryland man's arraignment on Feb. 8, 2012, a Michigan district judge set his bond at $10,000. He must pay the full amount to be released from jail.

According to court records, the Maryland man was in Michigan for a court appearance in a criminal case involving drug charges. He has also been charged with armed robbery in the past.

Law enforcement officials in Auburn Hills, Troy, Southfield and Bloomfield Township, Michigan, were also involved in the search, as well as, the Maryland State Police and law enforcement officials in Montgomery County, Maryland. The U.S. Marshall's Office and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also provided assistance.

Source: The Oakland Press, "Bond set at $10,000 for father accused of kidnapping Auburn Hills daughter," Dave Phillips, Feb. 8, 2012