The search for 35-year-old Cindy Adler, who police say failed to return her two children after a visitation, is over. She was arrested when she checked into a YWCA shelter in Fargo, N.D. using her real name. Maya Espinosa, 9, and Rafael Espinosa, 6, were with her. The three had been missing since Feb. 6, 2009.
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On Feb. 9, 2009 35-year-old Cindy Kaye Adler was supposed to return her two kids to their father as part of her every other weekend visitation rights. But cops in St. Paul, Minn. say it never happened.
Now, a nationwide search is underway for 9-year-old Maya Espinosa and her younger brother 6-year-old Rafael "Rojo" Espinosa, who cops believe are still traveling with Adler.
Cops say Adler may have taken the kids with her to avoid a court hearing scheduled for Feb. 18, 2009, which was going to decide whether Adler would be allowed only supervised visitation.
Rafael Espinosa, Maya and Rojo's father, who has full custody of the kids attended the Feb. 18. hearing, which ordered a suspension of Adler's parenting time rights until she returns the children.
Cops were able to track Adler and the kids to Osage Beach, Mo. but that was back in February. As the days go by, cops believe they can be anywhere in the country.
Adler has family in Winona, Wis. and Conchran, Wis. But what makes the search more difficult is that Adler may have changed her and her kids' appearances.
Adler may have cut and dyed her hair.
She may have cut and dyed her kids' hair too and she may also be calling them different names: Rafael may be going by "Abdullah" and Maya by "Ellabella."
Almost four months after 35-year-old Cindy Adler allegedly took off with her kids to avoid a custodial hearing, cops in St. Paul, Minn. say they've found Adler and Maya and Rafael Espinosa.
Cops say on June 2, 2009, Adler walked into a YWMC Women's Shelter in Fargo, N.D. and tried to sign in with her real name. That's when the organization realized that there was an outstanding warrant for her, and that the kids were listed as missing.
Adler is fighting extradition to Minnesota, and the kids are currently in the Cass County Children Services system.