U.S. Marshals Service News:

LAS CRUCES – On May 25, 2026, two children were abducted by a non-parental man in Missouri. An Endangered Person Advisory was broadcast to law enforcement and media in Missouri for the children.

On May 26, 2026, a lead was sent by the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Western District of Missouri to the District of New Mexico to help locate the two abducted children, and to apprehend the alleged abductor, Ralph Jones Jr., who is wanted by the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office in Missouri for kidnapping.

Jones was believed to be traveling through New Mexico with three children, two of them having been abducted. The U.S. Marshals Service District of New Mexico Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team, along with the New Mexico State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and the Otero County Sheriff’s Office began a collaborative effort to locate and recover the two abducted minors, and to apprehend Jones.

Law Enforcement caught up to Jones on the 700 block of Luna Drive in Chaparral, New Mexico. The two abducted children, along with the third child, were safely recovered. All three minors were turned over to the custody of the Child, Youth, and Family Department, where they will remain until arrangements can be made with authorities in Missouri.

Jones was transported and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he awaits extradition to Missouri on the kidnapping charges.

“The recovery of these children, and the arrest of the abductor is an example of the unwavering dedication exhibited by The United States Marshal Service, and our State and Local partners,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico David O. Barnett, Jr. “The safety and security of children will always be our greatest priority. They are our greatest hope for a brighter and better tomorrow.”

“This arrest shows exactly what can happen when local, state and federal law enforcement stand shoulder to shoulder. Our Fugitive Apprehension Unit worked side by side with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Otero County Sheriff’s Office to bring a dangerous fugitive into custody and, most importantly, bring two abducted children home safely. I’m proud of the courage, teamwork, and commitment our officers showed throughout this operation,” said Matthew Broom, Chief of New Mexico State Police.

“I’m incredibly proud of my deputies and the quick coordination between the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, New Mexico State Police, and all assisting agencies in New Mexico. As a result of everyone’s collective efforts, two endangered juveniles were safely recovered and a suspect was taken into custody without incident, all within a matter of hours. The Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the excellent teamwork shown by agencies across the country to ensure the safety and safe return of these children from our community,” said Sheriff Austin Hann, Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office

“Fugitives don’t respect jurisdictional boundaries or state lines, but the men and women of law enforcement working together will pursue them no matter where they go. Our children are this country’s most precious and most vulnerable asset. Their protection and safety must be our highest priority. The recovery of these children and the swift capture of their abductor is an example of the dedication of the U.S. Marshals Service and or state and local partners,” said Chief Deputy US Marshal Chris Deaton, Western District of Missouri.

The Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team has focused resources and efforts on the improvement of public safety and the reduction of violence in New Mexico, through the identification, investigation, and apprehension of fugitives wanted for heinous crimes against the community, while ensuring the equal application of Justice, Integrity, and Service for all.

Anyone with information on wanted fugitives is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or the USMS Tips App. 

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.