By G.T. Houts
San Bernardino, CA – A 32-year-old Sugarloaf mother — Melissa Diane Epperley — accused of kidnapping her 3-year-old son from the child’s father has plead guilty to felony child abduction charges.
The defendant’s mother, Wanda Darlene Epperley, 64, of Sugarloaf, who was charged with aiding and abetting in the abduction, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor child abduction.
Melissa Diane Epperley and Anthony Tummarello, Jr. (Contributed Photo)
BOY’S RECOVERY
On Thursday, November 6, investigators from the Child Abduction Unit of the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office recovered 3-year-old Anthony Joseph Tummarello, Jr. at the Calexico Border Patrol Station.
District Attorney investigators were able to reunite the child with his father, Anthony Tummarello, Sr., 29, of Mount Baldy, later that same night.
THE ARREST
On November 6, investigators arrested the young boy’s mother who was wanted on charges of kidnapping and child abduction.
Melissa Epperley had withheld Anthony, Jr. from his father since February 2013 without the father’s consent and evaded law enforcement.
Melissa Epperley was sentenced to 6 months in County Jail and 5 years’ probation. Judge Dwight Moore gave the mother credit for 14 days served and ordered her to make restitution to the boy’s father for all recovery expenses.
WANDA DARLENE EPPERLEY
The defendant’s mother was sentenced to 36 months conditional and revocable release and to pay a fine of $1,235 to the victim’s restitution fund.
THE INVESTIGATION
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Big Bear Station, assisted in the investigation. In addition, the California Department of Justice assisted in the recovery of the child from Mexico. (23)