Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Texan who took in 5 kids, mom sought in abductions
HOUSTON -- Authorities have issued an Amber Alert for five Louisiana children they say were abducted by a woman who took them and their mother in after Hurricane Katrina.
The Harris County District Attorney's office said Wednesday it is seeking 44-year-old Rhonda Tavey of Houston on five counts of kidnapping.
An Amber Alert was issued for the children: two boys and three girls ranging in age from 3 to 8.
Authorities believe Tavey may be in the Dallas area. WFAA-TV reported speaking to Tavey earlier Wednesday in Fort Worth, before the Amber Alert was issued.
"Their parents are into drugs, crime and I know God put these kids into my hands to take care of," she told WFAA.
Tavey later told The Dallas Morning News that she plans to turn herself in as soon as she talks to her attorney. No lawyer for Tavey could immediately be located by The Associated Press.
Prosecutors said Tavey was a volunteer after Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast in August 2005. She opened her home to the children and their mother, Erica Alphonse.
The Morning News, in November 2006, did a story about Tavey and Alphonse and how the Houston woman was helping the displaced New Orleans native and her children.
A statement from prosecutors said Tavey has taken Alphonse's children out of the Houston area and "has refused to return them to their mother."
A warrant for Tavey was issued Monday. The children are identified as Rod Keesa Alphonse, 8; Alaysa Alphonse, 6; Yasmine Alphonse, 4; and twin boys Eric and Erin Alphonse, who turned 3 on Monday.
Tavey is believed to be driving a blue 2004 Chrysler Town and Country van, Texas license: 963-PTB.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
`Boomerang' Fay maintains strength over Florida