Non-Custodial Mother Charged After Disappearing With Baby

(KNSI) — The 27-year-old mother who disappeared with her nine-month-old baby has officially been charged.

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office says Zenitra Forester was charged Wednesday with one count of felony kidnapping.

According to prosecutors, Forester was in a supervised parenting visit on Tuesday and was allowed to hold her son, Jakhi, when she allegedly ran out of the Scott County Courthouse. A social worker followed but lost sight of Forester after several blocks. The two were tracked down at a Hager City, Wisconsin home on Wednesday morning. Jahki is in protective custody at Children’s Hospital in St. Paul. Forester was arrested and brought back to Shakopee.

Jakhi was in protective custody because Forester’s father said she was homeless, schizophrenic and hadn’t been taking her medication. He said he was concerned about how he saw her treat Jahki, accusing her of throwing him to the ground last week.

He was removed from her custody on a health and safety hold, which was set to expire Wednesday. Forester allegedly said she thought the hold expired Tuesday, so she took Jakhi and left.

Forester faces a possible sentence of up to 40 years in prison.

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