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Police Hunt for Mother

March 19, 2005 permalink

Here is another case where police are hunting for a mother who took her own kids from CAS custody. You can help. When you see a mother caring for her own kids, call the police! This article was copied from the Ottawa Sun by John Dunn.

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Massive hunt on for mother, 4 kids

Warrant issued in alleged abduction

A CANADA-WIDE arrest warrant has been issued for an Ottawa mom who allegedly abducted her four children for whom she lost custody. Marie-Emilie Chartier, 35, and her daughters Anael, 6, Mariel Charlotte, 5, Marie Alexandre, 12, and son Michael, 8, have been missing since Tuesday and police believe they might be in the Ottawa area.

"Our concern is just getting the children back to a safe place," said Det. Gina Rosa.

Ottawa police have alerted officials at area bus and train stations as well as the airport. Border patrol officials, RCMP and law enforcement agencies in the U.S. have also been contacted.

The court ordered that the children be removed from Chartier's care in November 2004 and placed them in the care of the Children's Aid Society (CAS). Chartier's mother was allowed visitation with the children, who were supposed to stay at her house the night they disappeared.

According to the grandmother, who had custody at the time of the abduction, Chartier left the house with the kids on Tuesday at around 3 p.m.

"She told me that she was going to sleep over at a friend's house with the kids and would be back the next day," the grandmother told the Sun.

ORDERED PASSPORTS

Rosa said there is no indication Chartier contacted anyone that night. She said the children's parents are estranged and the father has no idea where she might be.

The grandmother became concerned when her daughter and the children didn't return as expected on Wednesday. Police were alerted on Thursday at about 2 p.m.

Rosa said the mom's actions appear to be premeditated, since she had recently obtained passports for herself and the children.

Chartier is originally from Haiti, but the last time she was there was as a child. Police have little concrete information as to where she may go.

Rosa said there have never been allegations that the mom has harmed her children.

The CAS, in a statement, said it has "worked diligently to keep these children safe and place them with a responsible relative. Often it is difficult for a birth parent to accept the situation of having the children taken out of their care."

DON'T APPROACH FAMILY

Rosa said anyone who spots the mother and children should not approach them, but they should immediately call police.

Marie-Emilie Chartier is described as a black female, 4-foot-11, 130 lbs., medium build with brown eyes and black hair. Anyone with information is asked to contact Rosa at 236-1222, ext. 5407.

WARNING SIGNS

According to the Missing Children's Network Canada, a parental abduction is rarely spontaneous and impulsive but rather a well-thought-out plan that might include the following:

  • resigning from one's job
  • selling of property
  • liquidating of assets
  • closing of bank accounts
  • applying for a passport

Changes in behaviour may also signal the possibility of an abduction. Watch for:

  • impulsiveness
  • physical violence
  • cruelty
  • inflexibility
  • instability

laura.czekaj@ott.sunpub.com

Source: canoe website

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