A Texas woman was recently taken into custody for allegedly planning a pay-for-kidnap scheme involving two children, with the aim of transporting them to Mexico, according to Illinois law enforcement. Cindy Sanchez, 47, is facing multiple charges including two counts each of kidnapping by deceit or enticement, unlawful restraint, and child abduction – parent without custody, according to the records of the 16th Judicial Circuit.
Sanchez was arrested this week at Midway International Airport, where she was found with two children, aged 11 and 13, as reported by the Aurora Police Department. The police were called to a residence on Rosewood Avenue in Aurora, a large suburban community approximately 40 miles west of Chicago, around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. The call was made by a family who were concerned about a possible double kidnapping.
Upon reaching the location, officers found that the two children were staying with relatives at the time. A woman, who was later identified as Sanchez, had arrived at their home claiming she needed to take the children out of state on behalf of their mother. However, the children’s mother denied giving anyone permission to take the children anywhere, confirming the initial kidnapping fears.
Local law enforcement sought help from the larger Chicago Police Department to locate Sanchez and the children. They were found at Midway Airport, the second busiest airport in Chicago, leading to Sanchez’s arrest. Both children were safely recovered and were unharmed.
Further investigation into the matter revealed the alleged scheme’s origin. Sanchez, a resident of Fort Worth, Texas, was identified as a relative of the children’s father. It was discovered that the children’s father, who does not have legal custody, had paid Sanchez to transport the children to him in Mexico via the Texas border.
Sanchez was arrested on Friday and held at the Kane County Adult Justice Center. She was released on Saturday morning following a court appearance on Friday that resulted in a release order. Sanchez is scheduled for a status hearing on Sept. 18.