ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Little Kionii Haugen from Orange Beach remains blissfully unaware of the recent turbulence that surrounded her life. After being caught up in an international incident, she now enjoys a carefree day at a local park, following nearly two weeks spent alone in Mexico.
“She appears to be her usual self, as if she simply went on a vacation,” remarked Bryce Haugen, who confidently acknowledges his role as the toddler’s father.
Last month, Kionii found herself at the heart of a cross-border kidnapping ordeal. Her mother, 23-year-old Haley Harris, faced federal charges and was extradited to the United States. Meanwhile, Kionii was retained by the Mexican authorities for almost two weeks before she was finally reunited with her family on October 4.
“The moment we saw her, held her again, it was a huge relief for everyone,” Haugen expressed.
According to court records, Harris arrived in Orange Beach on Sept. 21, packed up the child’s belongings, and 24 hours later, she, Kionii, and another child were in Mexico.
Investigators also learned that Harris’ live-in boyfriend had been deported from Washington state to Mexico over the summer after being arrested on multiple charges of child molestation.
“I don’t know what she thought or what pushed her to think any of it was okay,” said Haugen.
Harris was in federal court Wednesday afternoon for an initial appearance and preliminary hearing on international parental kidnapping charges. Her court-appointed attorney, Richard Shields, said that based on Alabama law, the charges may not hold up.
“The law in Alabama is that a mother is custodian of their child until paternity is established with the man, and there was no paternity, so she is the custodian, and the issue is did she violate any law by leaving the country with the child, and that is the issue the court is going to have to determine here,” said Shields.
All that seemed a million miles away from Orange Beach as Kionii enjoyed a day at the park. Haugen says his only focus now is on his daughter, making sure she is okay. “Just let her be herself if she wishes to bring it up,” he said, referring to her time in Mexico.
Haugen hasn’t spoken to Harris since she was brought back to the U.S. He says whatever the courts decide, he is okay with that.
Harris remains in federal custody. Her case is expected to be heard by a grand jury on Oct. 29.
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