Antonio Moreno, 31, was arrested in Veracruz, Mexico, following a multi-agency search after he allegedly fled the U.S. with his 14-year-old niece and two young daughters. Moreno, a resident of Kaysville, Utah, reportedly left abruptly on June 30 without the permission of the children’s mothers.
The FBI, working in collaboration with Mexican authorities, located all three girls unharmed on Friday evening. Moreno was found with them and taken into custody.
The FBI had previously issued a federal arrest warrant for Moreno, charging him with kidnapping and other offenses related to his niece’s disappearance.
Read: FBI Sounds Alarm Over Rising ‘Bank Jugging’ Robbery Trend
While Moreno’s daughters are Mexican citizens, his niece is an American citizen, prompting international cooperation in the case.
Prior to their discovery, surveillance footage from Mexico showed the girls entering a taxi, leading investigators to believe Moreno may have manipulated his niece into accompanying him.
The FBI expressed gratitude for the assistance of Mexican law enforcement and the public in resolving this case.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.