RICHARDS FACING CHARGES IN ABDUCTION - Violated Domestic Petition

(03/25/2003)
A two-year-old Harrisville girl was in good condition seven hours after she was taken from a day care center in Ritchie County. State Trooper A. M. Pringle said multiple charges are pending against her mother, former Calhoun resident Jessica Lynn Richards.

Authorities said, Small Beginnings Daycare called 911 when Brandwyn Faith Elliott, who is two and one-half, was taken from the center last week. Police said the mother violated a domestic violence protective order.

State Police notified the girl's father Paul Elliott of Harrisville, and several officers began a search for the infant. Trooper Pringle said officers thought Ms. Richards was headed toward Calhoun where she had family ties, but she was later found in Braxton County.