SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Four individuals, including the child’s mother, have been charged in connection with the kidnapping of a 1-year-old child that led to a statewide AMBER Alert on February 21.
According to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, the suspects—Holly Smith, the mother of the child, along with Joey Jimenez, Eric Jimenez, and Jose Francisco Robles-Prieto—are all facing first-degree felony kidnapping charges. All four were arrested the same day the AMBER Alert was issued.
“We appreciate the people in our community who helped police get the information they needed to help find this baby and take her to safety,” Gill said in a statement Wednesday. “The vigilance of every citizen during an AMBER Alert can help save a child’s life.”
In addition to the kidnapping charge, Smith is facing charges of child abuse and providing false information to a peace officer. Eric Jimenez and Robles-Prieto are also facing one count of second-degree felony obstructing justice.
According to Gill’s office, the situation began earlier on February 21 when a judge ordered the child into state custody. Shortly after the decision was made, Smith allegedly fled the courthouse with her daughter. When a case worker from the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) went to Smith’s last known residence, neither she nor the child were found.
Authorities were informed that Smith had been seen getting into a vehicle with Eric and Joey Jimenez. This led to both men being taken into custody on charges of obstructing and impeding the investigation. Joey Jimenez allegedly provided Smith’s phone number to police, which enabled them to activate an emergency ping on her location.
Later, Smith and Robles-Prieto, the child’s biological father, were spotted walking with a shopping cart. Smith had a blanket over her head, and when officers stopped the pair, she reportedly gave a false name. She was identified through her tattoos, and it was revealed that the child was in the shopping cart as Smith was being handcuffed.
The child was safely recovered, and Smith was arrested at the scene.
The case has drawn attention to the importance of community involvement in cases of child abduction, as citizens’ efforts to share information can significantly aid in the safe recovery of missing children. Authorities have praised the quick response of the public and law enforcement in bringing the situation to a close.
The investigation into the kidnapping is ongoing, with all four suspects facing serious charges.