A 39-year-old Bloomfield Township woman was arraigned Thursday on a felony charge after allegedly taking her child to West Africa; the child was eventually returned to the United States. Keshia Williams-Alattar now faces a charge of kidnapping-custodial interference, a crime punishable by one year and one day in jail.
Father Reported the Child Missing in June
According to The Oakland Press, Williams-Alattar's ex-husband told authorities she picked up their child from his home and took the child to West Africa. Audacy reported that the father notified police in June, saying Williams-Alattar had taken their child from his home and traveled to West Africa.
The child returned to the United States in June.
Williams-Alattar was charged with a felony.
Bond Set at $100,000 Ahead of November Hearings
Williams-Alattar was arraigned in 48th District Court, where bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety. She is due back in court November 10 for a probable-cause conference, with a preliminary examination scheduled for November 17.
Under Michigan law, a parent may not take a child with intent to detain or conceal the child from another parent or legal guardian holding custody or parenting-time rights under a court order, or retain the child for more than 24 hours with that intent, per the Michigan Legislature.
