DA: Woman Charged with Kidnapping 5 Katrina Children

According to Houston's ABC affiliate, KTRK Channel 13, an Amber Alert has been issued for five children thought to be in the company of Rhonda Tavey. Tavey, 44, was a volunteer at a local shelter during the aftermath of Hurrican Katrina. During her stint there, she befriended Erica Alphonse and her five children. Soon after she took the family into her home.

According to Assistant District Attorney Jane Waters, Tavey and the Alphonses were all "one big happy family" and then something changed. On July 13th, Erica Alphonse placed a call to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's office to "report that an acquaintance of hers was being reluctant to let her see her own children," said Capt. Paul Staton.

It is alleged by Assistant DA Waters that Tavey locked Erica Alphonse out of her home and subsequently left town with the children. Authorities indicate that they have been in touch with Tavey, offering her numerous opportunities to return the children to Child Protective Services. Tavey refused all entreaties to return the children.

In a Texas Cable News report, Jeremy Desel of Channel 11 News, reports that Tavey said that she had been the children's primary caretaker. She also shared with a reporter at ABC's WFAA in Dallas, that Erica Alphonse has a drug problem and frequently dissappears for extended periods. She said she had no choice but to take the children, Tavey reported that she provided for all of the children's financial needs without any input from the children's parents or any family members. Tavey also told the reporter that Alphonse's only motivation for wanting the children back is financial. "Her FEMA is about to run out and she needs these kids for welfare and that's the bottom line," Tavey said. "She needs them for food stamps and welfare."

Erica Alphonse admits that she did make several trips back to New Orleans, leaving the children, in Tavey's care while she was gone. She said she was planning to take the children back to New Orleans with her when she returned around July 13. It was then, she adds that Tavey, took the children and left the city. In an interview with Houston's NBC News affiliate, Alphonse said, " I just pray every night that they are all right and by the grace of God, he let's me know that they are alright and it's a matter of time when I'm going to get them, but it's taken too long." She added, "I'm just hoping she hasn't told my children any negative stuff like "mama left you" or "mama doesn't want you" because that's just not the truth." In an interview with Channel 11, Alphonse said, "I love my children with all my heart."

Assistant DA Waters supports Alphonse and adds that none of what Tavey has said about her is true and that Tavey herself has been less than forthcoming during the investigation. She shared further about the situation with Tavey. "We've resorted to everything. We've given her every option to cooperate and to assist us, every opportunity to do the right thing. She has put us in the position of having to file the criminal charges."

Tavey is a White woman. When last photgraphed she had short dark hair. The children are African- American. All are described as having black hair and brown eyes. The oldest is Rod Keesa,8, who stands 4 ft tall and weighs approximately 80 lbs. Next is Alaysa Alphonse,6, who weighs about 80 pounds and is about 4 ft tall as well. The third sister is Yasmine Alphonse,4. She is about 3 ft 9 in tall and weighs around 60 pounds. There are also twin boys Eric and Erin Alphonse, 3. They are said to weigh about 50 pounds and each is around 3 ft tall.

Tavey's leaving the area, facilitated the Amber Alert. She is charged with five counts of kidnapping as a result of the children's dissappearance. Five felony warrants have been issued.

A unidentified source has related to ABC's Channel 13, that Tavey will turn herself in on Thursday. However, there is no one to corroborate this source's information.

Tavey and the children are believed to be in or around the Dallas area. She is thought to be driving a blue 2004 Chrysler Town and Country van, with license number 963-PTB.

Anyone who believes they have seen Tavey or the children, please contact the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office at (281)376-3472 or the Houston Police Department.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5928532.html
http://www.txcn.com/sharedcontent/dws/txcn/houston/stories/khou080806_mh_amber_alert_katrina.1f1adeed.html
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=6310278 - update
http://www.click2houston.com/news/17113469/detail.html?rss=hou&psp=news
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=6310278