Hakken Kidnapping: Fla. couple reportedly lost custody after being found in hotel room with pot, weapons
(CBS/AP) TAMPA, Fla. - Joshua and Sharyn Hakken, a Florida couple accused of kidnapping their two young sons and fleeing to Cuba, lost custody of their children last year after police in Louisiana found them with their children in a hotel room with marijuana and weapons, reports the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
According to the paper, in June 2012, police in Slidell, La., went to the Hakken's hotel room after receiving a disturbance call. Slidell police said that the Hakkens were talking about "completing their ultimate journey" and saying they were traveling across the country to "take a journey to the Armageddon."The paper reports that Joshua Hakken was arrested for marijuana possession, drug paraphernalia possession and use of a controlled dangerous substances in the presence of minors. Fouur-year-old Cole and 2-year-old Chase were initially sent to a foster home. Authorities say Joshua Hakken tried and failed to kidnap them from the home at gunpoint.
Last week, the boys' maternal grandparents were granted custody. That's when police say Joshua Hakken broke into the couple's home, tied up his mother-in-law, took the children and eventually set sail for Cuba. Federal, state and local authorities searched by air and sea for the sailboat Hakken had recently purchased. They were found in Cuba, thanks to a tip from the person who sold the boat to Hakken.
The Hakkens were jailed Wednesday at the Hillsborough County Jail on charges of kidnapping, child neglect, and interference with custody, according to the jail's website. Joshua Hakken also was charged with false imprisonment. His bond was set at $154,000. No bond information was listed for Sharyn Hakken.
Both are expected to make their first appearance Thursday in Hillsborough County Court.
Complete coverage of the Hakken kidnapping on Crimesider
