Accused Tennessee child abductors turned over to feds

[October 27, 2011]  Jarrod S. Sanford and Jessica M. Lidy, the Tennessee couple arrested in Logan County on charges of child abduction, were taken into federal custody on charges filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office arising out of their Oct. 7 arrests.

The Lincoln Police Department, Illinois State Police and FBI all participated in the investigation. In addition, the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Logan County State's Attorney's Office cooperated regarding the prosecution of the cases against Sanford and Lidy.

"The U.S. Attorney's Office has proceeded with federal charges against both Jarrod Sanford and Jessica Lidy. These federal charges stem from the same investigation and facts as the pending Logan County charges. As a result of federal charges being filed, the Logan County State's Attorney's Office is moving to nolle prosequi the pending Logan County cases against Jarrod Sanford and Jessica Lidy," according to Jonathan Wright, first assistant state's attorney.

Sanford and Lidy are presumed innocent of each charge until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

[Text from file received from the office of Michael McIntosh, Logan County state's attorney]