Sioux Center, Iowa — An Orange City woman has been arrested on child stealing and kidnapping charges in Sioux Center.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the Sioux County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Sioux Center Police Department, 33-year-old Raeleen Romano of Orange City is accused of taking children under false pretenses. She was arrested on Friday.
In his statement, the officer says he and other officers were dispatched to Sioux Center Health at the request of emergency room staff, who sought assistance with a welfare check involving four juveniles. When they got there, officers were told that Romano had transported four juveniles from Le Mars to Sioux Center Health without the consent of their mother. They were told that during the transport, the juveniles contacted their mother, expressing fear and concern. They reported that Romano was not taking them to their father’s house as she originally claimed. The juveniles realized they were traveling in the wrong direction. One of them reported that Romano was driving at an excessive speed, further heightening their fear. Additionally, officers were told that Romano confiscated a phone from one of the juveniles, restricting their ability to communicate with their mother. The juveniles’ mother reported receiving a phone call from Romano while she was driving. During the call, Romano allegedly told the mother that she was heading to the hospital for an evaluation and admitted she was “on one.” The mother interpreted this as an admission of being under the influence of drugs, which compounded her concern for her children’s safety. When they got to Sioux Center Health, Romano admitted to officers that she was under the influence of methamphetamine. She disclosed that she had consumed the drug approximately two hours before arriving at the hospital. Officers observed visible signs of impairment, including agitation, restlessness, and sporadic, fidgety hand movements. When questioned about her actions, Romano allegedly claimed she had taken the juveniles without their mother’s consent because she believed they were being trafficked by their mother. She stated this belief was based on a rumor she had heard. However, the juveniles denied any allegations of trafficking and requested to be returned to their mother. Despite their denials, the defendant continued to insist that the juveniles should be kept away from their mother.
Romano was charged with third-degree kidnapping and three counts of child stealing, both class C felonies. If convicted on all counts and ordered to serve the time consecutively, she could face up to 40 years in prison. She also faces misdemeanor charges of operating under the influence and three counts of child endangerment.
She faces a preliminary hearing on the charges on Tuesday, December 10th.
At last report, Romano remained in the Sioux County Jail in Orange City in lieu of a $10,000 cash or surety bond.
