A Massachusetts couple is going through critical expenses after allegedly kidnapping their 5 youngsters, who had been positioned within the custody of the Massachusetts Division of Kids and Households (DCF).
Isael Rivera, 31, and Ruth Encarnacion, 30, have been positioned by Fitchburg Police in early March, after a multi-state manhunt.
The couple is accused of taking the kids throughout state traces in an try to evade DCF intervention.
Authorities consider the household fled Massachusetts shortly earlier than the state tried to implement youngster protecting measures, in response to WCVB 5.
Rivera, the organic father of 4 of the 5 youngsters, was arraigned final week in Fitchburg District Courtroom. A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf, and he’s at present being held with out bail, WHDH reported.
Encarnacion, the mom of all 5 youngsters, is scheduled to be arraigned this week and faces 5 counts of kidnapping a minor by a relative. A not-guilty plea has additionally been entered on her behalf.
Based on regulation enforcement, the household went lacking simply as DCF ready to take away the kids from Encarnacion’s care on February 27.
Encarnacion’s sister reported her lacking days in a while March 3, citing an absence of contact since February 26. DCF formally reported the 5 youngsters lacking on March 5, triggering a state and federal search.
Courtroom paperwork point out that DCF had opened a case in opposition to the couple in February after a pediatrician flagged indicators of neglect involving the youngest youngster, a 9-month-old. DCF intervened shortly thereafter, however by then, the household had reportedly left Massachusetts.
The kids—ages 10, 9, 5, 4, and 9 months—have been finally discovered unhurt in Whitney, Texas, and at the moment are within the custody of Texas Baby Protecting Providers pending additional investigation.
Extra from Worcester Telegram & Gazette:
Lawyer Kevin Carl Larson countered that Encarnacion had “acted in the most effective curiosity of her youngsters” and was “defending her youngsters.”
Though she had earlier fled to Texas, Larson stated Encarnacion just isn’t a flight threat and stated she just isn’t going anyplace with out her youngsters.
Larson stated authorities lack possible trigger to cost his shopper. He stated Encarnacion was not current for the care and safety listening to and that she was not conscious of any court docket order.
