SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dane Stephen Richman, 46, has been charged with two counts of custodial interference, a third-degree felony, after allegedly abducting his two infant sons from Washington state in mid-May 2025. An Amber Alert was issued over the weekend for 1-year-old Will Richman and 10-month-old Wesley Richman, stating they were in danger and had been taken by their father. According to the Amber Alert, "THERE IS CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY AND WELL BEING OF THE CHILDREN AS THE SUSPECT HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY DEPRESSED, SELLING POSSESSIONS, FACING FINANCIAL STRESS, AND ABANDONED HIS HOME."

Richman had picked up the children from their mother on May 16 for scheduled visitation but failed to return them or appear at a scheduled deposition hearing on Friday. The mother contacted the Saratoga Springs Police Department after Richman did not show up for the hearing. Court records show that on the morning of the hearing, Richman emailed his attorney saying he no longer needed her services and would not attend. Investigators wrote in court documents that Richman possibly planned the abduction several days to multiple weeks in advance.

Richman’s home appeared vacant when police visited, and court documents indicate he had abandoned the property to foreclosure. He had recently quit his job, was experiencing financial troubles, and was engaged in a custody dispute with the children’s mother, according to official records.

On May 18, Richman’s 2025 Toyota Camry received service in Carlsbad, California, approximately 50 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. Surveillance camera images later identified him in Southern California. A warrant for Richman’s arrest was issued on Sunday. Law enforcement officials are now working to have the Amber Alert shared throughout Mexico as part of an expanding international search effort for Richman and his sons.