Mother Faces Kidnapping Charge After Missing Long Island Infant Found Safe In Delaware

Southampton Town Police spent hours searching for the baby girl, of Hampton Bays, who has been missing since Tuesday, July 12, said Lt. Susan Ralph.

The baby was reported missing by her father on Thursday, July 15, who said he believed the baby was taken by her mother, Sarah Payne, of Shelter Island, and could be in Wilmington, Delaware, Ralph said.

The child had been removed from Payne's custody by Suffolk County Child Protective Services in January. 

The detective division reports that with the assistance of the US Marshalls Office and Wilmington Police Department, the infant was found safe in Wilmington, with his mother, who is wanted by the Suffolk County Probation Department. 

"The infant is safe and healthy and currently with the Delaware Child Protective Services," Ralph said.

Ralph said Payne, age 34, will be extradited and faces charges of:

• Kidnapping;
• Felony custodial interference;
• Criminal contempt;
• Endangering the welfare of a child.

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