Brooklyn judge halts family court questioning in missing boy case

BROOKLYN — A FAMILY COURT judge has ruled that the mother of an 11-year-old autistic boy who has been missing since at least September will no longer be required to appear in Brooklyn Family Court to answer questions about his whereabouts, despite police concerns that the child may be the victim of foul play, the New York Daily News reports.

The decision relieves Jacqueline Pritchett of any immediate legal obligation in the disappearance of her son, Jacob Pritchett, who relatives last saw in January. Pritchett has denied ever having a child, even when confronted with evidence to the contrary, and has described herself as a virgin and as Jesus Christ, according to court documents.

Pritchett had spent more than two months jailed on a contempt order before a Brooklyn Supreme Court judge ruled earlier this month that she was being improperly held for refusing to answer questions.

Brooklyn Family Court Judge Dawn Orsatti said Tuesday that the court is no longer the appropriate venue, noting, “It’s been three months.” She added that authorities could return to court if new information emerges.

Police have released images of Jacob, who is nonverbal, and continue to seek public assistance in the case.

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