Woman accused of hiding son for 3 years released on bond in New Mexico
Miriam Felix, charged with custodial interference after her son was found safe in El Paso, Texas, was released under strict conditions as the boy’s father says the family is focused on healing
BERNALILLO, N.M. —
A New Mexico woman accused of hiding her teenage son from his father for three years has been released on bond under court-ordered conditions.
Miriam Felix is charged with one count of custodial interference, a fourth-degree felony. Court records allege she intended to permanently or for a prolonged time deprive Juan Escobar of his custodial rights to the child.
Felix was released on a $1,000 unsecured appearance bond and placed in the care of her adult son, according to court records and statements made in court. Her release conditions include GPS monitoring, supervision by pre-trial services and a no-contact order involving the teen and other witnesses.
The case follows the teen’s recovery after he was found safe in El Paso, Texas, years after he was reported missing from Rio Rancho. His father said the family is now focused on helping the 12-year-old readjust.
“One of my biggest concerns is just that he’d be able to have the time to heal from everything that’s happened,” Escobar said.
He said the teen had been away from his family and out of public school for more than three years, leaving many questions about what kind of social interaction and support he had during that time.
“We just want to be able to give him that freedom, that space to be able to grow into the young man we know he’s capable of being,” Escobar said.
Escobar also said he was frustrated by Felix’s release, though he acknowledged the court-imposed strict conditions. Still, he said the family is grateful for the restrictions the court put in place.
“We hope that that’s enough to be able to stop her from wanting to violate the order again,” Escobar said.
Escobar said the family also hopes the case draws attention to the challenges families face in parental abduction cases.
If convicted, Felix could face up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.