We West Virginians love our children and will do just about anything to protect them. It's nice to know folks in other states are eager to lend us a helping hand with that.
A Tyler County woman pleaded guilty in circuit court this week to a charge of felony concealment of a child. The charge stems from a situation last fall in which she and her husband took the children and fled West Virginia. The children were hers, but their father was not her husband at the time of the crime.
In taking the children, Jessica Seckman and her husband violated a visitation agreement involving their father.
Local authorities and West Virginia State Police sprang into action in attempts to locate the children. The U.S. Marshals Service became involved. Information on the Seckmans and the youngsters was distributed nationwide.
Too often we hear of similar situations in which law enforcement officers pull over vehicles containing people wanted in other jurisdictions - but learn that only after allowing them to go on their way.
Not this time. Arizona State Police pulled over a car containing the Seckmans last fall, in a routine traffic stop. The Grand Canyon State troopers checked, found the Seckmans were wanted, and held them until they could be sent back here.
The children were recovered, safe and sound, and also were returned to West Virginia.
After Seckman pleaded guilty, Tyler County Prosecuting Attorney Luke Furbee thanked West Virginia State Police, especially Cpl. B.E. Collins, for their work in finding the children. Indeed, they deserve to be commended.
But so are the troopers in Arizona, who were paying attention when that was important. Thanks to them for their invaluable help.
