A man awaiting trial for kidnapping his three children, whereabouts unknown to anyone save the “organization” he turned them over to, has now been legally divorced from the children’s mother, as reported by The Daily Telegram in Lenawee County, MI.
The divorce trial was held at Lenawee County Circuit Court.
J.S. is currently being held in Lenawee County jail facing charges of kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment. He has been accused of kidnapping the couple’s three sons, aged 9, 7 and 5, during a Thanksgiving visit in his Morenci home.
J.S. is being held in lieu of $90 million in bonds. He is facing maximum life and 15-year prison terms.
Lenawee County Circuit Judge Margaret M.S. Noe awarded sole custody to the children’s mother, T.S., as she believed it was in the children’s best interests.
Judge Noe said, “It’s hoped they will be returned to her quickly and safely.”
J.S. has admitted to turning all three of his children over to an “organization” for their safekeeping.
At the end of the divorce trial, less than 30 minutes long, J.S., acting as his own attorney said, “I’d like joint legal custody, I didn’t take the kids.”
When J.S. questioned T.S. she directed her answers to Judge Noe.
J.S. asked, “Why do you think it would be in the best interests of the children for you to have sole legal and physical custody?” To which T.S. turned to Noe and said that since she sent her children to J.S.’s home last Thanksgiving “six months plus later I have not seen my children and he will not say where they are.”
J.S. then asked T.S., “Do you believe they are safe?”
T.S. answered, “No, because they are not with either parent.”
Then, J.S. asked, “Do you believe the children are still alive?” At this Judge Noe quickly told him to “Ask another question.”
J.S. responded that he was done and that he didn’t “have anything” else to ask in regards to the couple’s children.
T.S.’s attorney, Adrian-based David McFarland, said that a divorce trial was almost unnecessary, as J.S. had previously signed an agreement regarding custody and property.
But, when T.S. was being questioned about the terms of child custody, J.S. changed his mind.
J.S. told the court that the children will not be returned if T.S. is given sole custody. He said that it was “not in my control” and that he was “given assurances” in regards to how the custody language was to be worded.
J.S. had requested a trial on the divorce judgment. He brought up a $2,700 debt he paid for his wife in 2009 and other property issues.
McFarland stated that his client wasn’t asking J.S. to pay her attorney fees or alimony.
Judge Noe ruled that J.S. was responsible to pay any debts still owing on the family home, as he was the sole resident when the couple separated.
Facing divorce and child custody are daunting tasks without the expertise of a qualified attorney. Contact a family law attorney from our directory to assist you with your case.