MCSO: Traffic stop led to kidnapping arrest

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile County Sheriff’s Deputies said two women took two children from a daycare in Mobile on a shoplifting spree in Mississippi.

Kristina Price and Erica Rudolph were taken to Mobile County Metro Jail on Monday. Lt. Paul Burch said the crime is shocking.

"It’s very unusual and alarming that a daycare worker can just  take children from a daycare with the parents not knowing where their children are,” said Burch.

Surveillance pictures show Price and Rudolph inside the Belk department store in Gautier. You can also see the two children.

Deputies said they pulled the pair over on Interstate 10 and found a large amount of clothes deputies said were stolen from the Belk and a JC Penney.

They said the children, ages 3 and 4, were taken from a daycare at a home where Price works babysitting. 

Price's mother claims her daughter is innocent.

"It’s the biggest lie ever told,” she said.

Price’s mother said the kids were not kidnapped, and the parents didn’t press charges. Burch said differently.

"The parents and grandparents both came to the substation and were very shaken and upset about the matter, and still can’t comprehend how their children were taken away from daycare without permission,” said Burch.

Deputies are still investigating how the children were used in the shoplifting. Both are safe with their parents.

The women are charged with receiving stolen property and kidnapping.

The sheriff's office said there may be federal charges ahead for taking the children across state lines.