Mother, stepfather of missing children found in Wyoming extradited to Alabama
MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — The mother and step-father of two formerly missing children who were later found in Wyoming have been extradited to Alabama.
According to arrest records, Leanna Varcoe was extradited from Cheyenne, Wyo. and booked into the Morgan County Jail on Feb. 24.
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Leanna is the mother of a 9-year-old and a 5-year-old who were reported missing after investigators said she went to a family member's house on Feb. 3, took both the children and fled.
Court records also show that Zachary Varcoe, the children's stepfather, was extradited to Morgan County from Wyoming and arrested on Feb. 22.
According to police, on Jan. 24, the department received a report of child abuse from the Morgan County Department of Human Resources. A detective with Decatur Police Department's Family Services Unit was assigned to the case and began an investigation.
During the investigation, authorities said temporary custody of, was given to a family member in Toney. DPD said on Feb. 5, it was found that Leanna may have fled the state with the children with Zachary.
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After meeting with the Morgan County District Attorney's Office, the sheriff's office said detectives obtained an interference of custody warrant for Leanna. Based on evidence, a warrant for child abuse was obtained for Zachary, according to police.
Police in Cheyenne, Wyo., said the kids were found in a hotel parking lot. Officers said they received information that a couple with warrants were in the area. They spoke with the management of the Sands Motel, who told them which room the couple was staying in.
When police arrived at the motel, the couple surrendered. Both children were taken into protective custody.
Arrest records show Leanna is currently being held with a bond of $100,000; Zachary is also being held in the Morgan County Jail with a bond of $210,000. His charges, per arrest records, were listed as 'miscellaneous.'
News 19 has reached out to the Decatur Police Department to learn more about the Varcoe's arrests.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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