Boy Found Safe In New Orleans After 2009 Abduction From Carson
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A 5-year-old boy abducted by his parents in Carson in 2009 after he was removed from their care has been found in New Orleans and, though "extremely malnourished," he has been returned to his grandparents in Palos Verdes, authorities said today.
Authorities in New Orleans arrested the parents of Shalomiel Sol-El, said officials with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. His father, Ausar Allah-El, was arrested on Feb. 20, and his mother, Serenity Sol-El, on Friday, adding that the boy was with her at the time.
The parents are in custody in New Orleans, facing possible child abduction charges, with bail set at $100,000 for each. Sheriff's investigators are seeking their extradition to Los Angeles County.
Before his abduction, the courts ordered the boy placed in the care of his grandparents "after repeated attempts by the County of Los Angeles to assist the parents in the proper care for Shalomiel," authorities said.
"Shalomiel was suffering from numerous medical conditions that could have been prevented with the proper care and medication, but his parents refused to provide the child with necessary medical appointments, dental exams, occupational therapists and ophthalmology appointments," officials said.
"Shalomiel was eventually placed with his maternal grandparents where a significant change was immediately evident. Shalomiel's medical conditions improved and his speech was starting to develop," Parker said.
On April 25, 2009, during a court-appointed visitation at a child care center, his parents allegedly abducted him. Investigators launched a search, but to no avail.
On Feb. 20 of this year, a National Park Services police officer on patrol in New Orleans noticed a man panhandling at a park. The officer detained the man and determined a warrant had been issued for his arrest for child abduction, according to the Sheriff's Department.
"When Allah-El was placed into custody he indicated that his wife and child were with him in New Orleans," Parker said.
A two-week search led to the arrest of the boy's mother on Friday, along with the recovery of the boy, who was with her.
"Shalomiel was extremely malnourished and only weighed 38 pounds," Parker said. "He was immediately taken into protective custody."
The boy was brought back to Rancho Palos Verdes and has been returned to the custody of his maternal grandparents, officials said. He is expected to recover.
(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
