TWO FUGITIVE ALLEGED CHILD KIDNAPPERS LOCATED IN COSTA RICA

FROM: U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE

JUNE 17, 2013
Custody Battle Ends In Arrest
Two Fugitives Suspected of Child Kidnapping Found In Costa Rica

San Antonio, TX – Brandy Romano, 35, and Raymond Romano, 42, were arrested this past Friday evening by members of the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force (GCVOTF) in Houston, TX. Arrest warrants were issued for Brandy and Raymond Romano pursuant to an investigation by the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), where it is alleged that Brandy and Raymond Romano committed 2 counts of child kidnapping.

Last month, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF) was contacted by the SAPD for assistance in locating and apprehending Brandy and Raymond Romano. Task force officers initiated an investigation and determined that Brandy and Raymond Romano had previously fled to the Republic of Costa Rica. Task force officers coordinated investigative activities with the United States Marshals Service Investigative Operations Division and their Costa Rican law enforcement counterparts. Costa Rican authorities were able to locate and detain Brandy and Raymond Romano. Brandy and Raymond Romano, both United States citizens, were presented before a Costa Rican immigration judge and determined to have no legal status to remain in the country. Brandy and Raymond Romano were expelled from the Republic of Costa Rica and turned over to the custody of the United States Marshals Service. On Friday evening, Brandy and Raymond Romano were formally arrested by members of the GCVOTF in Houston, TX and transported to the Harris County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center.

Brandy and Raymond Romano are currently being held in custody without bond and awaiting transport to Bexar County.

On May 28, 2013, Brandy Romano was ordered by a judge in the 285th District Court to relinquish full custody of her two sons to their biological father, Thomas Walker. Instead of following court orders, Brandy Romano, along with the help of her current husband, Raymond Romano, allegedly kidnapped the two boys, crossed the Mexican border, and fled to the Republic of Costa Rica. Days later, Brandy and Raymond Romano were apprehended by Costa Rican Immigration authorities as they attempted to enter the country. Mr. Walker is currently coordinating with Costa Rican authorities for the safe return of the boys.

Robert Almonte, United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas, stated, "I am thankful for the assistance provided by our Costa Rican counterparts and relieved that both young boys were found quickly and will be returned to their father."