Kidnapping warrant issued for caregiver of girl
MOSES LAKE — Deputies with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals are searching for an accused kidnapper and her alleged 6-year-old victim.
A warrant was issued for Shirley Jackson, 57, of Waterville, for first-degree kidnapping in connection with the disappearance of 6-year-old Angel Jackson.
The warrant dates back to June 10 when MACC Dispatch received a call from a woman in reference to a possible child abduction. The woman told a deputy with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office she had obtained custody of Angel in Grant County court on May 13. She said she went to Waterville, in Douglas County, in an attempt to get the girl from the girl’s caregiver, Jackson, according to police records.
The woman explained the girl had been in the care of Jackson since her birth. She claimed Jackson found out about the court order granting her custody of Angel and fled the area with the girl. The woman stated she hadn't heard from either of them since early May and the girl’s mother attempted to file a report with the Yakima Police Department, but the YPD wouldn’t take any reports because the reporting party was not listed as the girl’s legal guardian.
She then reportedly attempted to file a report with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, but was told she needed to contact the Moses Lake Police Department, as she lived in Moses Lake. The MLPD, however, told the woman they would not do a report because Angel was taken from Waterville.
The sheriff’s office later took over the case and the investigating deputy was told by Angel's biological mother that Jackson had no legal right to her daughter and never did. She said she was in a “bad situation” and had allowed Jackson to take care of the girl since her birth. She said Jackson came up with the idea to list Angel's name as Jackson on her birth certificate, so Shirley Jackson could more easily obtain assistance from the state.
The investigating deputy learned the girl attended school in Waterville all the way up until the day before the court order that gave the reporting party custodial rights of the girl was granted.
The deputy further learned that a Douglas County deputy had pulled over Jackson’s daughter “around” the time the court order was granted. Jackson’s daughter allegedly told the deputy she was speeding because she was in a hurry to get home because her mother called her and told her that her little sister, Angel, was being taken away from them in a custody issue. At least two other people claimed that Jackson knew about the May 13 custody hearing.
“Because of Shirley’s history as a convicted felon, Grant County deputies and U.S. Marshals are concerned for Angel’s safety. Shirley also has a history of three complaints investigated by Child Protective Services which resulted in confirmed findings. None of those complaints, however, involved Angel,” stated the sheriff’s in a release on Tuesday.
Jackson is described as Caucasian, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Angel is described as African-American, 3 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 45 pounds.
If you have information contact the sheriff's office at 509-762-1160 or email crimetips@grantcountywa.gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.