Saratoga Springs, Utah, police and federal investigators are ramping up a multi-agency search for two young brothers after, authorities say, their father failed to return them following a scheduled custody exchange. The boys, Will Thomas Richman and Wesley Dane Richman, are the focus of a statewide AMBER Alert, and investigators say time is critical.
Amber Alert Details Car, Ages And Urgent Warning
According to the Utah AMBER Alert, Wesley Dane Richman was born July 14, 2025, and Will Thomas Richman was born July 4, 2024. The alert names 46-year-old Dane Stephen Richman as the suspect and notes there is "concern for the safety and well-being of the children." Officials describe a black 2025 Toyota Camry with Utah plate A561HL and have released photos and physical details to help the public identify both boys and the vehicle.
Trail Leads Through Southern California And Across The Border
Investigators say Richman’s Camry was spotted in Carlsbad on May 18, and his cellphone last pinged near San Diego on May 19. Court filings indicate the vehicle crossed into Mexico later that same day. Those movements, combined with surveillance footage and phone data, prompted authorities to bring in federal partners and Mexican officials to widen the search, according to KSL.
Court Records Point To Mounting Financial Strain
Court documents reviewed by reporters allege Richman quit his job, fired his attorney, skipped a deposition, and opened additional lines of credit before the disappearance. He also reportedly gave away a motorcycle and a pickup truck to friends. Former FBI agent Greg Rogers told reporters he viewed the pattern as "an act of desperation" and noted the bureau has "a large number of FBI agents working in Mexico" as investigators chase leads, per reporting by KUTV.
Mother’s Emotional Plea And Custody Concerns
The boys’ mother, Lizzie Tomich, posted a video on social media pleading for the safe return of her sons and urging viewers to push the alert as widely as possible. In the clip, she asks, "Please, like, share, repost everything." Neighbors told police Richman had purchased a satellite phone, and investigators say the family’s custody agreement did not allow the children to be taken out of state without prior consent, according to national coverage by AOL.
What Police Want The Public To Watch For
Authorities are asking anyone who spots the described Toyota Camry, the suspect, or the children to call 9-1-1 or the Saratoga Springs Police non-emergency line at 801-798-5600 immediately. State and local officials have pushed the AMBER Alert out on digital highway signs and through cellphone notifications as the search widens, according to reporting by KSL.
Legal Status And Next Steps
Court filings show investigators have sought arrest warrants, and they say Richman is facing felony charges tied to the boys’ disappearance. Prosecutors have flagged custodial interference in charging documents, and a warrant has been issued, according to local reporting. Federal partners, including the FBI, are coordinating the cross-border effort and plan to work through international legal channels if the suspect is located in Mexico, per coverage by Gephardt Daily.
