PB 2-year-old home safe after kidnapping, family friend charged

A local woman appeared in court Thursday after she was charged with kidnapping a 2-year-old from a Poplar Bluff home.

Melonie D. Watkins, 35, appeared before Associate Circuit Judge C. Wade Pierce for arraignment on the Class A felony of child kidnapping.

During her appearance, Watkins requested an attorney with the Public Defender’s Office represent her.

A request was made for a reduction in Watkins’ $50,000 cash or surety bond, which was denied by the court. A bond reduction hearing is set for Thursday.

The charges against Watkins stem from an investigation by the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

At about 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, police officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of West Harper Street, in reference to a custody issue, police Lt. Josh Stewart said in a news release.

“In speaking with the reporting party, officers learned that a family friend had taken a 2-year-old child from the residence without permission,” Stewart said.

The officers further were told that on Tuesday, the toddler had been at the Harper Street residence with her mother when the “family friend arrived at the home,” Stewart said.

During the visit, the family friend, identified as Watkins, asked if the child could stay the night at her residence, Stewart said.

“The child’s mother advised the child could not, and Watkins walked out of the residence,” Stewart said. “A short time later, Watkins re-entered the home and took the child without permission.”

Prior to authorities being notified, Stewart said, Watkins and the child’s mother exchanged several telephone calls, “in which Watkins indicated she was bringing the child home.”

During the morning hours Wednesday, Watkins allegedly stopped responding to the calls.

After being notified, Stewart said, investigators began tracking Watkins through her cellphone and vehicle and learned she was in the Cape Girardeau area.

Stewart said local authorities requested assistance in locating Watkins from the Cape Girardeau Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

“A short time later, Watkins’ vehicle was located, and a traffic stop conducted,” Stewart said. “Watkins was taken into custody, and the child was found to be unharmed.”

Watkins was later transported back to Poplar Bluff, where she is being held at the Butler County Justice Center.

Chief Danny Whiteley thanked the Cape Girardeau Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for “their swift response in assisting with the suspect apprehension and safe return of the small child to her mother.”

Whiteley also commended his officers and detectives for “their excellent and timely work with the citizens and technology” to resolve this crime with no injuries to anyone.

“Thank God, the victim was OK,” Whiteley said.