- posted: Jun. 15, 2025
- Family Law
Custody orders must be honored even when parents feel that they have a good reason to change the arrangements set forth by the court. When a mother or father feels a revision is warranted, the required course of action is to petition for a modification that is in the youth’s best interests. Taking matters into your own hands is not only illegal, but can also be dangerous. This is particularly true in cases where a parent relocates their son or daughter without proper authorization.
In a recent incident, Dashawn Rashard Sarratt and three others were arrested after being accused of illegally transporting Sarratt’s toddler daughter to New Jersey. Reportedly, the girl resided on a temporary basis with a family member of Sarratt’s, Samiyah Cunningham, pending an investigation by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFACS) regarding the child’s well-being. Though the inquiry might have been based on allegations of mistreatment against the girl’s mother, that does not provide a legal defense for what authorities say happened next.
According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, Sarratt, and Samiyah Cunningham, along with Shinikka Cunningham, orchestrated the unauthorized relocation of the toddler to the New Jersey home of Kiesha Burno. As part of their scheme, one or more of these individuals deceived the Hudson County Superior Court into issuing a temporary custody order based on false pretenses. Consequentially, Samiyah Cunningham, Shinikka Cunningham and Burno are charged with multiple offenses, including kidnapping, interstate interference with custody and conspiracy to commit a felony. Meanwhile, Sarratt faces equivalent charges along with an alleged probation violation.
While parents and other involved parties often view child custody disputes as domestic matters, the serious criminal charges in this case demonstrate the importance of following family court orders. It does not matter that someone believes they have good intentions or that they love the child(ren) involved. If circumstances change or difficulties arise between co-parents, seeking a formal modification through the court is the only acceptable option.
At Rehrer & Rehrer Attorneys at Law, we represent parents in relocation proceedings and other matters where a parent seeks to change child custody terms. If you require legal counsel for a parenting dispute or another family law matter, please call 732-279-0044 or contact us online. Our office is in Toms River and we offer free consultations to new clients.
- posted: Jun. 15, 2025
- Family Law
Custody orders must be honored even when parents feel that they have a good reason to change the arrangements set forth by the court. When a mother or father feels a revision is warranted, the required course of action is to petition for a modification that is in the youth’s best interests. Taking matters into your own hands is not only illegal, but can also be dangerous. This is particularly true in cases where a parent relocates their son or daughter without proper authorization.
In a recent incident, Dashawn Rashard Sarratt and three others were arrested after being accused of illegally transporting Sarratt’s toddler daughter to New Jersey. Reportedly, the girl resided on a temporary basis with a family member of Sarratt’s, Samiyah Cunningham, pending an investigation by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFACS) regarding the child’s well-being. Though the inquiry might have been based on allegations of mistreatment against the girl’s mother, that does not provide a legal defense for what authorities say happened next.
According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, Sarratt, and Samiyah Cunningham, along with Shinikka Cunningham, orchestrated the unauthorized relocation of the toddler to the New Jersey home of Kiesha Burno. As part of their scheme, one or more of these individuals deceived the Hudson County Superior Court into issuing a temporary custody order based on false pretenses. Consequentially, Samiyah Cunningham, Shinikka Cunningham and Burno are charged with multiple offenses, including kidnapping, interstate interference with custody and conspiracy to commit a felony. Meanwhile, Sarratt faces equivalent charges along with an alleged probation violation.
While parents and other involved parties often view child custody disputes as domestic matters, the serious criminal charges in this case demonstrate the importance of following family court orders. It does not matter that someone believes they have good intentions or that they love the child(ren) involved. If circumstances change or difficulties arise between co-parents, seeking a formal modification through the court is the only acceptable option.
At Rehrer & Rehrer Attorneys at Law, we represent parents in relocation proceedings and other matters where a parent seeks to change child custody terms. If you require legal counsel for a parenting dispute or another family law matter, please call 732-279-0044 or contact us online. Our office is in Toms River and we offer free consultations to new clients.
