Authorities credit community members for their swift actions in helping law enforcement locate a missing child and bring her to safety.
“We appreciate everyone who provided critical information to assist in finding this baby and ensuring her well-being,” said Gill on Wednesday. “Every vigilant citizen plays a vital role during an AMBER Alert, and their actions can help save a child’s life.”
Kidnapping Case Leads to Multiple Charges
Smith is now facing charges of child abuse and providing false information to law enforcement. Meanwhile, Eric Jimenez and Robles-Prieto have been charged with kidnapping and second-degree felony obstruction of justice for their involvement in the case.
Escape Following Custody Ruling
According to the prosecutor’s office, a judge ordered Smith’s daughter into state custody on February 21. Instead of complying, Smith allegedly fled the courthouse. When a Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) caseworker later arrived at her last known residence, both Smith and the child were missing.
Authorities received reports that Smith was seen leaving in a vehicle with Eric and Joey Jimenez. The two men were later arrested for interfering with the investigation. During questioning, Joey Jimenez provided police with Smith’s phone number, allowing officers to ping her location in an emergency effort to track her down.
Discovery and Arrest
Law enforcement eventually spotted Smith and Robles-Prieto, the child’s biological parents, walking down the street with a shopping cart. Smith had concealed her identity by covering her head with a blanket, and when police approached, she gave them a false name.
However, officers quickly identified her by her distinct tattoos. As they placed her in handcuffs, she finally admitted that the missing child was inside the shopping cart.
Smith and her accomplices remain in custody as the legal case against them moves forward .
