How We Located a 10-Year-Old Girl Taken Out of Tennessee Against Court Orders.

The private investigators at Search Investigations are missing person, kidnap, and custodial interference experts. 

When custodial interference turns into a complex web of evasion, where do concerned parents turn? At Search Investigations, we recently tackled a case in Tennessee that demonstrates our commitment to reuniting families and safeguarding children.

The Backstory

A concerned father approached us about his missing 10-year-old daughter. Despite having legal visitation rights, he was unable to reach his daughter, who we soon found out wasn’t allowed by her mother to call or FaceTime her father. Compounding the situation was the custodial mother's erratic behavior and substance abuse issues. After a recent car crash, she abruptly left with the child in the middle of the night. Both she and the daughter lived with her parents, who were also deeply worried, unaware of their location, and distressed by the mother's unpredictable actions. Early in the investigation we discovered the child had missed a significant amount of school because of parental neglect and would have to repeat the fourth grade.

Piecing Together the Puzzle

In today's digital age, a single photograph can unfold a world of information. A social media post containing an innocuous background image became our goldmine. We reverse image searched the house in the photo, revealing a geolocation outside Tennessee. This escalated the case's seriousness, as the custodial interference was now crossing state lines.

With a keen focus on details, we delved into the mother's background. Our findings? She was likely with a recent male parolee. This brought heightened concerns for the child's safety. Surveillance confirmed our suspicions: the mother and child were staying at the parolee's parent's residence.

Tackling the Situation with Tact

Ensuring the safety of the child was paramount. We informed the distressed father about the development but chose to withhold their exact location. Why? The safety of the child and the legality of any actions taken were crucial considerations.

Our approach was strategic yet firm. We dispatched a strongly-worded letter to the mother's hideout. This letter detailed our knowledge of their location, the parolee's involvement, the violations of the Tennessee custody order, and potential legal repercussions. We gave her a 72-hour window to get in touch with our lead investigator, Steve Fischer, to arrange a peaceful return of the child to Tennessee.

Thankfully, our approach worked. The mother responded, and arrangements were set in motion. A few weeks later, the father shared a heartwarming image of their joyful reunion.

The Consequences Of Custodial Interference in Tennessee.

In Tennessee, custodial interference is a matter that is not taken lightly by the legal system. Depending on the circumstances and specifics of the interference, the crime can be categorized as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The severity escalates if the child is taken outside of Tennessee or if the interference poses any risk to the child's safety. For example, a person can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor if they take or entice a child away from the custodial parent with the intent to deprive the custodial rights of the parent. The penalties for a Class A misdemeanor include imprisonment for up to 11 months and 29 days, a fine, or both. If the child is taken out of state or if the actions place the child in imminent danger, the crime may be elevated to a felony with heftier penalties. 

Why Choose Search Investigations for Missing Person, Custodial Interference, and Kidnapping Cases?

At Search Investigations, we solve cases. Our expertise spans across:

• Custodial Interference: Navigating the intricate layers of custodial disputes and ensuring that court orders are respected.

• Parental Kidnapping: Acting swiftly to locate and safely retrieve children taken by non-custodial parents.

• Missing Persons: Employing advanced investigative techniques to find and bring back loved ones.

We collaborate closely with family law attorneys, ensuring every step we take is in line with the legal framework. If you're a lawyer or a parent faced with a custodial interference or missing person situation, know that our dedicated team at Search Investigations is equipped and ready to assist.

Reuniting families is more than a job for us—it's our mission. For more on how we can help, visit Search Investigations or call us at 1-877-619-9890