A 17-year-old Lawrence girl on Wednesday was returned to Douglas County and will learn today when she will appear in district court to face charges of kidnapping and child endangerment.
Natasha Helm was transported from Jackson County, Mo., to the Northeast Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center in North Lawrence, Douglas County Sheriff Rick Trapp said.
Helm awaits her first hearing in Douglas County District Court, the date for which likely will be set today, Dist. Atty. Christine Tonkovich said.
Helm is charged with two felony counts of kidnapping and two misdemeanor counts of endangering a child for the alleged abduction of 2-year-old Chauncey Oatis and 4-month-old James Barbee from their home on Feb. 20.
She had been baby-sitting the two brothers while staying with their mother.
Authorities found Helm, along with James, in a van parked near a drinking establishment late Feb. 22 in Kansas City, Mo. Chauncey was found about five hours later at an apartment in the city. Neither child was injured.
The motive for the alleged kidnapping wasn't known and is under investigation, authorities said.
Douglas County District Court records show four earlier cases involving Helm.
In December 2000, she was charged with one count of misdemeanor battery. Information about the outcome of that case wasn't available in the court file.
In September 1999, Helm, then 16, was charged with misdemeanor criminal deprivation of property for taking a 1989 Buick. She pleaded no contest, was placed in the custody of the Juvenile Justice Authority and was recommended to be placed in foster care.
In September 1998, she was charged with felony theft for stealing a 1988 Ford Escort. The then 15-year-old was ordered to pay $984.90 in restitution.
In July 1997 in Atchison County, Helm, then 14, was charged with misdemeanor battery.
Information about the outcome of that case wasn't available in the court file.
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