Whitwell woman arrested after taking child across state lines
MGN
WHITWELL, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Whitwell woman was arrested June 19, 2025 after taking a child out of state without permission, triggering an Amber Alert.
Police say Frankie Kay Robinson had been babysitting a child for a friend, Stacy Childress, since June 16.
Childress contacted police after losing contact with Robinson for more than 24 hours.
An investigation revealed Robinson had prior child endangerment convictions.
Her phone was later traced to Louisiana, and her vehicle was spotted by license plate readers in multiple states.
After forcing entry into her Whitwell home and finding it empty, police continued searching until Robinson showed up at the department, claiming the children were safe.
She admitted leaving town but had not informed the child’s parent.
Robinson was arrested on a felony kidnapping warrant.
The missing child was returned to Childress, and another minor in Robinson’s care was placed with CPS.
Police credited license plate readers with helping locate the suspect’s vehicle and resolve the case quickly.
