Extradition Kept Montana Mom From Kids in Bahamas

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — Investigators say they knew that three Montana children reported missing had been living with their father on a sailboat in the Bahamas, but they could do nothing because of an arduous extradition process.

Belgrade Police Det. Dustin Lensing says a break came Saturday, when an anonymous tip led to the arrest of the children's stepmother in Hawaii. Angela Bryant told authorities that her husband, James Bryant, and the children were in South Florida.

Border officials spotted the boat Tuesday about 30 miles off Florida. Lensing says James Bryant was attempting to return to Bahamian waters.

The couple has been charged with parental interference and are awaiting extradition to Montana.

If convicted, each would face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.