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Quick action by federal agents in Colorado results in child rescue
DENVER – A Colorado child was reunited with their guardians due to quick action of Homeland Security Investigations special agents working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement partners Sept. 21. HSI has broad legal authority to conduct federal criminal investigations into the illegal cross-border movement of people, goods, money, technology and other contraband throughout the United States.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, United States Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police among others.
“The men and women of law enforcement consider it their highest duty to aid in the rescue of children,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Denver. “This case represents the best of the best of law enforcement officers working together on one singular goal, the safe return of this child to Colorado.”
Homeland Security Investigations agents in Grand Junction, Colorado were contacted by Deputy Marshals from USMS at five p.m. Sept. 20. They were assisting a Summit County Sheriff’s Office in a parental kidnapping case and needed assistance. There was information the child was being taken to the border of Mexico in violation of a court order.
Agents issued a ‘be on the lookout’ for the kidnapper’s vehicle traveling south to the southwest border.
At a little after noon Sept. 21 agents were alerted the vehicle was at the Santa Theresa Border Crossing. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol questioned the occupants of the vehicle and determined they were actively engaged in kidnapping the child. The child was taken into the care of CBP and the vehicle occupants were arrested.
The child is in good condition and will be released to their guardians by child protective services.
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