Sentencing is coming in about a week for an Emporia woman who failed to appear at her original sentencing date for interfering with parental custody.
Jessica Suzanne Downs was originally set for sentencing three weeks ago. When she did not appear, a bench warrant was issued and Lyon County Crime Stoppers offered a reward. Downs was arrested June 14, according to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.
Sentencing will be July 8 at 4 pm.
Back in January, Downs allegedly kept a 2-year-old boy for two days longer than the visitation agreement as indicated by court records provided to KVOE News. The child was reported as missing, setting off an intense law enforcement search that gained statewide attention before the boy was found safe.
In late April, Downs entered a so-called Alford plea of no contest to misdemeanor interference with parental custody and was subsequently found guilty. An Alford plea means the defendant says he or she is innocent but admits there is enough evidence to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
