Father faces judge following arrest in son's yearlong disappearance case
The father of a New Rochelle boy who was missing for more than a year appeared in court Wednesday. Police say that man took his 12-year-old son during a "custodial situation."
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The father of a New Rochelle boy who was missing for more than a year appeared in court Wednesday. Police say he took his 12-year-old son during a "custodial situation."
Dwight Richards, 54, pleaded not guilty. As News 12 has reported, Richards has been charged with a violation of the Family Court Act and also arrested for criminal contempt in the second degree based on a Westchester County warrant stemming from this case.
Police say the situation all started in 2025.
"The mother was awarded full custody, and the father basically just did not comply and took the son," said New Rochelle Police Capt. J. Collins Coyne.
Authorities say Richards violated a mandate issued by a Westchester County family court judge by failing to produce his son, King Richards, to the court on that date.
Police have been looking for Richards and his son. He was found on Monday in the Bronx and arrested.
"We put a lot of effort into this and these youth officers did a great job," said Coyne.
Richards later told officers where King was in Westchester, according to police.
"He appeared to be in good health, a very sweet kid," New Rochelle Police Officer Christian Gonzalez tells News 12.
King's mom sent News 12 the following statement:
"I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to every person, every news outlet, and every supporter who has helped spread the word about my son. I am beyond relieved and grateful to say that we have been reunited. In this tender time, I ask for privacy so we can focus on healing, rebuilding, and being together as a family. Thank you all so much for your love and support.”
Richards was released on Wednesday. He is due back in court on June 24.
