A Utah woman, Elleshia Anne Seymour, has been extradited from Croatia to the United States to face federal charges of international parental kidnapping and passport fraud in the District of Utah.
Seymour, 35, of West Jordan, allegedly traveled to Europe and Croatia with her four biological children between November 29, 2025, and January 16, 2026, without the knowledge or court approval of the children's fathers, who shared joint custody. Croatian authorities located Seymour and the children on January 16, 2026, leading to her arrest the following day and the safe return of the children to their fathers in the U.S.
Court documents allege Seymour removed the children with intent to obstruct the fathers' parental rights. Her former husband reported finding evidence she had left the country and believed she forged his signature on passport applications for three children. Seymour's second ex-husband said she informed him via voicemail from France that she had to get the children out of the country because "the end time is coming," describing her as a "Doomsdayer."
U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah said, "The safe return of the children remains our highest priority. We are deeply grateful to our federal and international partners for their tireless efforts in bringing about this successful outcome." Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI added, "International parental kidnappings can have a profound impact on a child’s sense of safety and stability."
Seymour was indicted on January 28, 2026, and made her initial federal court appearance on June 22, 2026. Her detention hearing is scheduled for July 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Salt Lake City, as authorities continue to pursue justice in the case.