SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, August 9, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — A Murray mom and accomplices have been indicted for kidnapping after allegedly taking a child from Utah to live for a year and a half at a religious compound in Missouri.
Kimberly Dell Davidson-Drolet, 53, had a warrant issued for her arrest on December 20, 2023, after she allegedly kidnapped her non-custodial child from Utah to Springfield, Missouri, in January 2023 through June 2024, the U.S. Attorney for Utah announced Friday evening.
Drolet was assisted, prosecutors said, in the kidnapping by her son Jaxson Davidson 30, of Washington, Utah; Dallas Davidson, 23, also of Washington, Utah; and Kristine Merrill, 53, of Murray, apparently Drolet’s sister. “All of whom are now in custody.”
The federal grand jury indictments were handed down this week in Salt Lake City. Drolet, Jaxson Davidson, Dallas Davidson, and Merrill are charged with kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Drolet’s initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for August 13 in the federal courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
According to the allegations, Drolet and J. Davidson left the state of Utah and drove to Missouri, and Merrill assisted in their departure. After fleeing the state and ignoring the order of the court regarding custody of the child, Drolet remained at large for over a year, prosecutors said, and hid the child away from her custodial father and law enforcement.
“Drolet planned the kidnapping for 14 months. Throughout the kidnapping, Merrill, J. Davidson, and D. Davidson continued to hide Drolet and the child’s location from law enforcement.
“Prior to Drolet’s arrest, she was observed with the child who was located at a religious compound led by a religious cult leader, who is also related to Drolet.”
The case is being investigated jointly by the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (VFAST) and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the Murray City Police Department.
