Montana

Washington Amber Alert suspects appear in court in Bozeman

Posted: Jun 14, 2012 1:38 PM by Erin Schattauer - MTN News
Updated: Jun 14, 2012 5:43 PM

BOZEMAN - The parents of three children who were arrested near Bozeman after an Amber Alert was activated for their kids appeared in Gallatin County Justice Court today for violating protective orders.

Curtis Drakesford, 33, pleaded guilty to violation of a protective order (first offense) and driving with a suspended license today before Justice of the Peace Rick West. Drakesford received a 180-day suspended sentence and must spend two days in jail. He must also pay $670 in fines.

The children's mother, Ashley Todd, 29, pleaded not guilty to a violation of a protective order (second offense). Bail was set at $500.

Montana Highway Patrol Sgt. Patrick McCarthy stopped the couple's Pontiac Grand Am with Washington plates on Interstate 90 near Manhattan on Wednesday afternoon after receiving information that they had used credit cards in Missoula and Deer Lodge, according to court documents.

After stopping the vehicle at around 2 p.m., McCarthy identified the couple. Drakesford and Todd had orders of protection, preventing them from coming in contact with each other. They were taken into custody and transported to the Gallatin County Detention Center.

An Amber Alert was issued for Kali Drakeford, 9; Ashton Drakeford, 8, and Cursten Drakeford, 6, after their parents took them to keep the children from Child Protective Services custody.

According to KIRO TV in Seattle, Detectives said the Drakefords traveled into the city of Deer Lodge, Montana, as late as 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday and believe they are continuing to head eastbound on Interstate 90.

CPS was concerned that the children were in danger because of a history of domestic violence between the parents.

A relative in South Carolina had called child protective services, telling them the mother said she and the father were planning to take the kids to South Carolina and that would be in violation of the custody order.