OSHKOSH – The Oshkosh father at the center of a missing child report is facing a possible 12-year prison sentence after authorities said he was in violation of a custody order by taking his 6-year-old son out of state.
John Madigan, 40, has been charged with a felony for interfering with a custody order when he left for California with his son April 30 without his ex-wife’s knowledge and permission, according to court documents.
Madigan was given a $1,000 bond while making his initial appearance in Winnebago County Circuit Court via video May 5. Further proceedings are set for May 18.
What is in the criminal complaint?
Court documents show that authorities apprehended Madigan at Appleton International Airport May 2, two days after both he and his son were initially reported missing following concerns expressed by family members.
Law enforcement said an officer was dispatched to Madigan’s home around 8:17 a.m. for a welfare check after his cousin and her family found a concerning note from Madigan.
Madigan’s cousin said they woke up and found a small basket with two small gifts left by their vehicle with a note asking them to “watch over everything” and informing them that his car and apartment keys were in his car.
Police eventually contacted Madigan’s ex-wife, who revealed both have placement of their son in a custody agreement stating she has to approve any out-of-state trips and vacations he takes with the child.
She told authorities she was not notified of any trips. Madigan’s ex-wife, who turned 40 that same day, said she was supposed to pick up their son April 30 and have him for the weekend under the placement order.
Police said they later received a tip from a fellow passenger believing Madigan and his son were on the same flight from Appleton to Denver after authorities put out a Wisconsin Crime Alert and a Wireless Emergency Alert.
Madigan’s ex-wife and law enforcement were then informed by one of Madigan’s brothers, who lives in California, that the missing father and son were at Los Angeles International Airport.
Both Madigan and his son eventually returned to Appleton International Airport, where the boy was released into his mother’s custody.
Authorities said Madigan was cooperative while telling him they did not want to place him in handcuffs in front of his son.
Tracy Ann Paider is prosecuting the case, with Judge Scott Woldt presiding.
Contact Justin Marville at jmarville@usatodayco.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @justinmarville.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh man accused of violating custody order in missing child case
Reporting by Justin Marville, Oshkosh Northwestern / Oshkosh Northwestern
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
