SNELLVILLE, Ga. — Police in Gwinnett County are now working with federal authorities to locate a woman who kidnapped her son on Tuesday.
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On Dec. 17, Gwinnett County police were dispatched to Valley Bluff Lane in Snellville after receiving a 911 call about a missing child.
Police learned that Michelle Marks lost custody of her son, 7-year-old Royal Marks, while they were living in Oklahoma last year due to child neglect. The boy’s father was given custody.
Gwinnett officials said when they arrived at the home on Tuesday, the child’s father learned that Michelle Marks had come to Georgia to visit the child.
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During the visit, family members told authorities that heard Michelle Marks make multiple threats to hurt herself if she completely lost custody of Royal Marks. Michelle allegedly made these threats in response to a conversation about a custody hearing that was going to take place soon, according to police.
The child’s father told police that Michelle Marks took the child in the middle of the night after making the threats.
Kidnapping warrants have been obtained for Michelle Marks. She also has several warrants for her arrest in Oklahoma.
Officials said she has used several names with law enforcement in the past, including Michelle Jones, Michelle Legacy, and Michelle Young. She is approximately five feet and three inches tall and weighs 140 pounds.
Royal is four feet and 11 inches tall and weighs 90 pounds. Detectives said he was last seen wearing a red long-sleeve thermal shirt with white lettering and jogging pants.
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Investigators are working with federal authorities to locate Michelle and Royal Marks. She may try to leave Georgia with the child, according to GCPD. She does not own a car but may have access to ride-share apps.
Anyone with information is urged to contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477 or online. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.
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