Elleshia Anne Seymour, 35, of West Jordan, Utah, is in federal custody in Salt Lake City following her extradition from Croatia on June 12, 2026. Seymour faces a federal indictment for international parental kidnapping and passport fraud.
Details of the kidnapping allegations
According to court documents, Seymour allegedly traveled to Europe and Croatia with her four biological children without the knowledge of their fathers or court approval. The children have since been recovered and returned to their fathers in the United States.
Timeline of the indictment and custody
The indictment, issued on January 28, 2026, follows a period where Seymour allegedly removed her children from the United States between November 29, 2025, and January 16, 2026. The defendant and the children's fathers shared joint custody under a Utah state court order.
Police investigation and discovery of fraud
Law enforcement became involved in December 2025 after West Jordan Police responded to a welfare check at Seymour's residence. Officers found the apartment unlocked and empty. During this time, one of the fathers reported that he had not seen the children since November 24, 2025, and discovered evidence suggesting Seymour had forged signatures on passport applications for three of the children.
Testimony regarding travel plans
A second ex-husband, who is the father of Seymour's fourth child, told authorities he signed paperwork for a passport but was not informed of any plans to leave the country. He reported that Seymour left a voicemail on December 2, 2025, claiming she was in France with the children and stating she needed to leave because the end time was coming.
Official statements on the case
U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak stated that the safe return of the children was the highest priority and thanked international partners for their efforts. Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI noted the profound impact such kidnappings have on a child's sense of stability.
Law enforcement agencies and court dates
The investigation involved the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, West Jordan Police Department, Salt Lake City Airport Police, INTERPOL, and various Croatian authorities. Seymour appeared in federal court for her initial appearance on June 22, 2026, with a detention hearing scheduled for July 1, 2026.
