Jaime Janelle Johnsen, 41, was initially charged with kidnapping of a minor following an incident in South Middleton Township, Pennsylvania State Police said. The charge has since been withdrawn and replaced with felony interference with custody of children, according to her updated court docket.
Johnsen remains charged with felony burglary and felony criminal trespass, along with a misdemeanor count of theft and three summary offenses, court records show.
The case stems from an incident that unfolded Tuesday, April 29 into Wednesday, April 30, when troopers were called to an apartment on the 1200 block of Lexton Springs Way around 3:44 a.m., according to the affidavit of probable cause.
Investigators say the child’s mother told police she had allowed Johnsen to stay at her home and watch her four-month-old baby but instructed her not to leave with the child. When the mother returned, both Johnsen and the infant were gone.
The mother later learned Johnsen had taken the child to Harrisburg. After being contacted, Johnsen brought the baby back, according to the affidavit.
Hours later, the situation escalated when the victim and her roommate were awakened by a noise and found Johnsen climbing through a first-floor window, police said. Johnsen then pushed the roommate and pulled his hair before leaving through the same window, investigators detailed.
Johnsen also damaged property inside the home, including cutting a TV power cord and damaging electronics, according to police.
Court records show Johnsen was arraigned Wednesday, April 29 and released on $10,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at 8:45 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge Daniel J. Freedman.
The Harrisburg School District said it is aware of the situation but declined to comment further while the case proceeds.
Johnson wrote the following on Facebook:
"I thank everyone for their love & support, I really appreciate it ❤️"
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