Aaron Aung followed an extensive search that began when his 2-year-old daughter, Seraya Aung Harmon, went missing from Moscow, Idaho. The ordeal started on May 29 when Aung allegedly failed to return Seraya to her mother’s custody as per a court-ordered parenting plan. He subsequently disappeared with Seraya and his fiancée, Nadia Cole, who was reported missing from Seattle International Airport on the same day.
After weeks of investigation and collaboration among law enforcement agencies, including the Pullman Police Department, Moscow Police Department, FBI, and Mexican authorities, Aung and his companions were located at a checkpoint near Santa Ana, Mexico. Cole was deported back to the United States soon after their discovery.
At the same time, Aung was taken into custody and is currently held at the Santa Cruz County Detention Center in Nogales, Arizona. He awaits extradition back to Whitman County on charges of Custodial Interference in the First Degree.
“This has been an incredible cooperative effort. We are so thankful for all of the agencies involved and the safe outcome for everyone,” stated the Moscow Police Department in a recent statement, acknowledging the successful collaboration that led to Seraya’s safe recovery.
Cole’s parents, Kirk and Beata Cole issued a statement expressing relief over their daughter’s safe return and her cooperation with authorities. They emphasized that Cole, a recent college graduate, is currently recovering from her ordeal in a secure private location, cooperating fully with ongoing investigations.
Prior to their disappearance, Seraya was in Moscow with Aung while Cole was preparing to depart for a family vacation in Italy from Seattle International Airport. The circumstances leading to Cole’s disappearance, including her sudden departure from the airport, are still under investigation.
Initially, investigators believed Aung might have traveled to Montana based on sightings of him purchasing camping gear and a Montana map book in Moscow. However, further investigation revealed that Aung and Cole likely traveled to Mexico in a black 2014 Cadillac XTS with Idaho license plate 1L5147U.
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Authorities issued an arrest warrant for Aung on June 5 for first-degree custodial interference due to his alleged violation of the court-ordered parenting plan. This case highlights the complexities and challenges involved in custody disputes and the collaborative efforts required to ensure the safe recovery of missing persons.
