Red County, California

From the good folks at the Cypress Police Department:

On December 4, 2009, a child custody violation was reported to the Cypress Police Department, identifying Silvia Mulenga as the suspect in violation of a court order. The biological father, Mr. John Cotton Sr. reported he and Silvia Mulenga are divorced and Silvia had not complied with a court order and visitation rights as it pertained to their son, John Derenzo Cotton Jr. Mr. Cotton was supposed to have weekend visitation with John Jr. The following day Mr. Cotton received a phone call from the suspect stating she was in Zambia, Africa with their son, and she would not be returning home.

Cypress detectives started investigating the case and learned that Silva Mulenga had left her place of residence in the City of Placentia, leaving behind personal belongings and bills. Detectives learned that the suspect had left the county, most likely fleeing to Zambia with John Cotton Jr. Detectives are in contact with U.S. officials and government officials from Zambia.

The suspect is in violation of PC 166.4 – court order violation as well as PC 278.5 – depravation of child or right to visitation. If, in fact, it is proven the suspect fled the county with John Jr., additional charges may apply. Detectives will be seeking a warrant for the arrest of Silvia Mulenga and will try to arrange for the safe return of John Jr.

Anyone with information pertaining to this case is encouraged to call the Cypress Police Department, Detective Bureau at (714) 229-6631.

Photographs provided by Cypress Police Department:

Silvia Chilombo Mulenga
John Derenzo Cotton Jr.	John Derenzo Cotton Jr. & John Derenzo Cotton Sr.

Additional information: The suspect, Silvia Mulenga, is the sister of well-known soccer player Jacob Mulenga, who plays for a French league.