Mom Of Teen Believed Kidnapped Back In Dothan To Face Charges

A woman whose husband is accused of kidnapping her daughter has been extradited from Ohio back to Alabama to face charges. 

Julie Ann Bethke, 36, was booked into the Houston County Jail over the weekend on a charge of Interfering With Child Custody.  Bethke's 15-year old child, Aileen Lander, was reported abducted September 17 from a Dothan doctor's office where she had an appointment.  The girl was in the custody of the Alabama Department of Human Resources at the time.

Charles Dean Partin, described as Bethke's common law husband, faces a federal charge of kidnapping after he allegedly went into the medical office and took Lander.  Investigators say Bethke was waiting outside the Southeast Alabama Medical Center Doctor's Building at the time.  She and Partin are believed to have driven away with Aileen and five siblings leading to a multi-state manhunt which ended when Partin and Bethke were arrested September 22 in the Cincinnati area.  The children were safe and all are now under the supervision of DHR.

Bethke had been jailed in Ohio since her arrest awaiting extradition.  It's not immediately clear whether she waived extradition or if a governor's warrant was issued ordering her return to Alabama.  Meanwhile, because he faces a federal charge, Partin did not have to be extradited.  Prosecutors say they believe he should remain jailed until trial because, among other things, he could harm potential witnesses and jurors in the case.  A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday.   Meanwhile, a first appearance hearing for Bethke could also be held as early as Monday.

A complaint filed by prosecutors was sealed by a U.S. Judge after DothanFirst.com and other members of the media released details of the case.  A concern for the victim's safety was one of the reasons given for the seal.