The Salt Lake City Police Department has arrested four individuals in connection with a kidnapping and obstruction of justice case. The AMBER Alert was activated after a child was taken, and the case was resolved with the safe recovery of the child.
Incident Overview
On February 21, 2025, a court revoked the custodial rights of Holly Angelina Smith (32) and ordered her 18-month-old daughter into state custody for the child’s safety and well-being. Despite being present at the hearing and aware of the ruling, Smith fled the state with her daughter, triggering a multi-county law enforcement search.
Arrest Details
At approximately 11 p.m. on February 21, officers received a tip that led them to Redwood Road and Paxton Avenue. There, they discovered Smith and a male accomplice hiding behind a shopping cart, with the child concealed under blankets.
The child was found unharmed and was placed under the care of the Utah Division of Child and Family Services.
The following individuals were arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail:
- Holly Angelina Smith (32)
- Charges: Child kidnapping, child endangerment, providing false information to law enforcement.
- Jose Francisco Robles-Prieto (47)
- Charges: Felony obstruction of justice, child endangerment.
- Joey Jimenez (41)
- Charges: Felony obstruction of justice.
- Eric Mathew Jimenez (37)
- Charges: Felony obstruction of justice.
Robles-Prieto is accused of knowingly concealing Smith and the child, despite being aware of the AMBER Alert, and providing false information to hinder the investigation. Joey and Eric Jimenez allegedly helped transport and hide Smith and her daughter to evade law enforcement.
Legal Implications
Under Utah law, obstruction of justice involves any action taken to interfere with a criminal investigation or court proceedings.
- It can be classified as a second-degree felony, punishable by 1 to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
- Alternatively, it can be a third-degree felony, which carries a sentence of up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
The severity of charges depends on the specific details of the case.
Community Response
Authorities have commended the swift response from law enforcement and the community in ensuring the child’s safe recovery. Officials continue to stress the importance of respecting legal custody rulings to protect vulnerable children.
FAQ
Q: Why was the AMBER Alert issued?
A: The AMBER Alert was activated after Holly Angelina Smith, whose custodial rights had been revoked, took her 18-month-old daughter in defiance of a court order.
Q: How was the child found?
A: Officers located Smith and the child near Redwood Road and Paxton Avenue, following a tip from the public. The child was hidden under blankets in a shopping cart.
Q: What charges are the arrested individuals facing?
A: Charges include child kidnapping, child endangerment, and felony obstruction of justice.
Q: What are the possible penalties for obstruction of justice in Utah?
A: Obstruction of justice can be charged as either:
- A second-degree felony (1 to 15 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines).
- A third-degree felony (up to 5 years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines).
Q: What is the child’s current condition?
A: The child is safe and is now under the care of the Utah Division of Child and Family Services.
Join the Conversation
This case raises critical discussions about child safety and community involvement in preventing abductions. What are your thoughts on the importance of law enforcement and public awareness in such cases?
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