The Hakkens are facing life in prison for taking back their children. ... Because weapons were involved, the Hakkens could be facing multiple charges carrying lifelong sentences. Kidnapping for the purpose of committing a felony and burglary with battery are both felonies punishable by life in prison, Tampa lawyer Rick Terrana said.
"They are literally legal strangers to the children, therefore it is straight-up kidnapping," Marchese said. "They will have a very difficult time in the criminal arena. You'll never be able to tell a biological parent, 'You are no longer the parent.' They don't understand that." (...)
Authorities have also added a "child abuse" charge, for inflicting "mental injury" on the children. Considering the children thought they were on vacation, that seems like a pretty odd charge to hit them with.
Bail has been denied for both of them.
Onward and upward,
airforce
