Michael Wilson Explains Aggravated Kidnapping Charge

Cleveland, Tenn. (WDEF ) – Bradley County Judge Sheridan Randolph, said, “Mr. Wilson, you’re charged with Aggravated Kidnapping on Aug 7th. Do you understand the charge? “

Michael Wilson replied, “Yes.”

A confident Michael Wilson was bound and determined to tell Judge Sheridan Randolph why he took his daughter, Skyla, out of state, even if it meant interrupting Judge Randolph not once, but three times.

Wilson said, “I wasn’t running from anything your honor. I’m being persecuted for being a good father. I’m saving my daughter from neglectful.”

Custody was taken away from Wilson in 2015, and given to the child’s grandmother.

Earlier this month, Sheriff Eric Watson said Wilson took money out his account, and took his 2-year-old against her grandmother’s will.

They traveled across country, even going into Mexico for a short time, before being stopped in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson said, “A few days ago, Grand Junction Police Department received a tip through the FBI that Mr. Wilson was traveling on their interstate through their county.”

Prosecutors wanted Wilson held without bond until next months court date, but that motion was denied.

Judge Randolph added, “I feel like I got to set a bond whether it’s very high or not because this is not a capital case.”

So, Wilson’s bond was set at half a million dollars.

Prosecutors also filed a motion to revoke bond in two other pending cases of aggravated burglary and domestic assault.

Wilson faces civil penalties as well.

Sheriff Watson said, “He may not ever get custody of that kid anymore.”

But Wilson maintains he’s best fit to parent.

Wilson added, “Everybody from the audience can know that I’m here because I was trying to save her from a neglecting environment, discouraging environment she as in.”

As Wilson was let out of the courtroom, Judge Randolph said quote there were other ways to handle his situation.

The heated exchanges continue as the case is heard September 8th.