A Utah mother has been charged with child kidnapping and aggravated child abuse after police say she picked up her autistic son's 11-year-old bully, took him to her home to demand an apology, and threatened him before returning him.
Prosecutors in Utah County identified the suspect as 40-year-old Shannon Marie Tufuga of Provo. Court records show she is facing two second-degree felony counts that were filed this week in 4th District Court.
Officials said the counts, which can be first-degree felonies under Utah law, were reduced as part of a charging decision they described as being in the interest of justice, according to People.
Charging documents state the incident took place in September 2025, when Tufuga allegedly drove around her neighborhood looking for a boy she believed had bullied her son, who is autistic. After finding the 11-year-old riding his bicycle, she is accused of stopping her car in front of him and directing him to get inside.
Investigators say Tufuga then drove the child to her home in Provo without the knowledge or permission of his parents. Once there, she allegedly confronted him about the bullying and had him apologize directly to her son, KMYU reported.
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According to the court filings, Tufuga also threatened the boy while he was in her home. She allegedly warned that her husband could beat him up and said he was fortunate she had not run over his bicycle. After the confrontation, she is accused of driving the boy back to his residence.
Prosecutors say the episode caused significant emotional harm to the child. The boy has reported high anxiety and has changed his daily habits since the incident, according to the charging documents.
If convicted on the child kidnapping charge, Tufuga could face a lengthy prison sentence under Utah's sentencing guidelines, though the reduced degree of the offenses may affect the possible term. Court records do not yet show a plea, and no attorney was listed for Tufuga as of the latest filings, as per KSL.
