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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Woman Freed After Judge Locates Kids

Compiled From Wire Services

A woman was freed after spending six days in jail for refusing to tell authorities where to find her two young children.

Vonda Webster said at a hearing Jan. 13 that she suspected a male companion had sexually abused her 3-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy. She wouldn’t tell authorities where they were because she didn’t want social workers involved in their care.

Family Court Judge David Stucki on Thursday ordered Webster to jail until she revealed the children’s whereabouts. She was freed Tuesday after the judge learned the youngsters were safe with their father at his home near Dallas.

Webster, 24, and her husband, Richard Webster Jr., are divorcing. He was granted temporary custody of the children until a judge in Ohio decides on permanent custody.

The sexual abuse investigation was continuing.