This story has always broken my heart. After an amicable divorce and custody agreement a father of two boys made a tragic mistake. Four years ago Kristopher Dohm of Hopatcong abducted his two sons and fled across the country. Dohm would later admit in court that he planned the abduction for months. Then made up a story that his father was sick. So his ex wife wouldn't be suspicious when he asked for more visitation time. There was a six week nationwide search for the two boys Parker and Jaxon who were 7 and 8 at the time. They were found at a motel in Pasco County, Florida. Dohm had shaved the boys heads and the 3 were with a known fugitive. At his sentencing Dohm admitted that what he did was wrong and took responsibility. He said "No parent should have to go through one night of no knowing where their children are." The boy's mother, Sandra Hughes Dohm, told the court: "Those were the most terrifying six weeks of my life." Dohm plead guilty to two counts of "Interference of Custody." Sussex County Assistant Prosecutor Seana Pappas argued that Dohm should be given the maximum sentence of 10 years and Judge McGovern agreed. As part of his plea bargain Dohm also had to agree to have no contact with his sons until they turn 18. Since 2017 Dohm has been incarcerated at Bayside State Prison in Cumberland County. A spokesman for the New Jersey State Parole Board told the New Jersey Herald that Dohm has now been released on parole. Dohm's attorney Miles Feinstein told the newspaper prison officials said Dohm was a model prisoner. Parole is not a get out of jail free card. If he violates his parole agreement in any way Dohm will be returned to state prison to finish his sentence. First Assistant Prosecutor Laura Nazzaro called the parole board's decision "disappointing." Feinstein told the Herald he was glad Dohm had closure and "Everyone else in the family had closure."
Source: New Jersey Herald