Mother accused of kidnapping, found at religious compound

Federal prosecutors reported that a mother from Utah allegedly abducted her child and escaped to a cult compound in Missouri. Three additional individuals have been detained in connection with this incident.

Kimberly Dell Davidson-Drolet, 53, allegedly abducted her 4-year-old in Utah in January 2023, despite lacking custody rights. Fox 13 reported that the child was held in Springfield, Missouri until June 2024.

Prosecutors allege Davidson-Drolet orchestrated an elaborate plan to take her child across state lines with the assistance of three other individuals. To avoid detection, they used disposable phones and regular mail for over a year when they were on the run.

OzarksFirst.com reports Davidson-Drolet was in the process of divorcing her spouse when she allegedly fled with the child. Authorities apprehended her after issuing a warrant in December 2023.

Federal prosecutors stated that Davidson-Drolet and the child were observed residing at a religious compound led by Paul Dean. According to reports, Dean is the head of a Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints "religious-type cult." 

The three additional suspects charged are - Kristine Merrill, 53, of Murray; Jaxson Davidson, 30, of Washington; and Dallas Davidson, 23, also of Washington. Jaxson Davidson is reportedly the son of Kimberly Dell Davidson-Drolet.