Andrew Tafoya Pleads Guilty to 'Child-Stealing' in Chioma Gray Case

The unusual case of Chioma Gray is coming to an end. Her abductor, 24-year old Andrew Tafoya, pleaded guilty to felony child stealing charges. He will spend three years in prison. [SOURCE]

Chioma was a 15-year old high school student in Oxnard, CA when she was kidnapped by Tafoya on December 13, 2007. She lived with him as his wife for nearly four years in Mexico. Chioma is now 19 ... and she says that she is married to Tafoya.

The couple voluntarily returned to California last month.

FOUND: Chioma Gray is Home with Her Family

Mom Greets Chioma at Airport

Chioma Gray's family last saw her Dec. 13, 2007. This blog began following the case a few weeks later.

The former student at Buena High School in Ventura, then 15, was getting into a stolen car that day driven by Andrew Joshua Tafoya, then 20, who had been released from jail the night before, according to witnesses. Gray and Tafoya were captured on a screening camera at the Mexican border on Dec. 13, 2007. The camera also showed the license plate of a stolen car.

In 2010, Chuck Hookstra, a private investigator and former Oxnard assistant police chief hired by Gray's mother, Franciene Black, found the stolen car parked in a compound near Acapulco, Mexico. He also discovered the two had lived in a small vacation spot, where Tafoya taught snorkeling and Gray worked as a waitress.

Chioma Gray, now 19, and Tafoya, now 24, arrived today at Los Angeles International Airport from Mexico City under escort of US Marshals. [SOURCE]

"I can only imagine what my daughter has been through the last three years," Black was quoted as saying in a statement released by her attorney, Cristina Armenta. "We have all been through a lot and we are so blessed to have her back."

Gray's family believes she was kidnapped. The mother has sued Tafoya and his parents, alleging custodial interference and infliction of emotional distress.

Tafoya's attorney, Tim Quinn, said the girl left willingly and the relationship was consensual. She still wants to be with him, Quinn said.

Tafoya is charged with violating probation stemming from his previous sentence and child-stealing.

Lakeesha Alert: Chioma Gray Spotted in Mexico

Chioma Gray has been missing for over three years. Federal authorities have told her family that a woman's body found charred beyond recognition in Tijuana was Chioma.


The family doesn't believe that Chioma is dead. In fact, they think that she may be alive and living in Mexico. The family believes that the man who abducted Chioma may be getting help from his parents. [SOURCE]

Villagers recall that Chioma was last seen being hustled into a stolen car in December 2007. According to witnesses, the car was driven by Andrew Joshua Tafoya, 20, who had been released from jail the night before. Tafoya, a former football player at St. Bonaventure High School and Ventura College, had just finished serving a seven-month sentence for having unlawful sex with a minor, Chioma, who was 14 at the time.

The last trace of the two was caught on a screening camera at the Mexican border, which showed the license plate of the stolen car.

Private investigator Chuck Hookstra, a former Oxnard assistant police chief, says that he found the stolen car parked in a compound with flat tires near Acapulco, a resort city in southern Mexico.

“It looked like it’d been there for three years,” said Hookstra.

He also found where the two lived. They apparently worked at a small vacation spot — he taught snorkeling, and she was a waitress. Hookstra said he talked to neighbors and uncovered information that Tafoya received help from his family.

This week, Chioma’s mother filed a federal lawsuit against Tafoya, his father and other members of his family. Hookstra found leads that suggest Chioma and Tafoya are either still in Mexico near the town of Ixtapa or perhaps in Nevada or Texas. Hookstra said there are also indications they stayed in San Antonio, with a relative of Tafoya.

“None of the family members were forthcoming with any information,” Hookstra said in a sworn declaration. “Based on my 30-year career of law enforcement and investigation, I believe that the family members of (Tafoya) do in fact, know where (he) is and have been providing him money to assist him in concealing Chioma Gray from authorities.”

This was one of the first cases of a missing young Black child that we tracked on this blog. I hope it has a happy ending. If Chioma is alive ... and voluntarily staying with Tafoya ... I hope she lets contacts her Mom.

As for Tafoya? I hope he burns in hell.

Lakeesha Alert * Chioma Gray

Chioma Gray has been missing since December 2007.   She celebrates her 18th birthday today ... but, her family can't celebrate because they have no idea where she is located.   Chioma's mom, Franciene Black (shown in above photo), wrote an open letter awhile ago that still seems to be appropriate.   I'm going to re-post it for your consideration:

---

On April 27, 1992, God loaned us one of his most incredible, gifts of all. The gift of life! A beyond, beautiful child of God. This gift was just what I had requested from Jesus. A healthy, beautiful baby girl. It was so very important that I observed this gift for two months before God gave me the name inscribed in Gods hand. It was so important that she be given a name of her character and a meaning representing God. She was blessed with his "Word" of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Lord knew that she was so special that he even stamped a birthmark on her body, representing Love, a beautiful heart!!! The definition of this baby loaned by Jesus Christ. A Child of God!

The Power is in the Blood of Jesus, was given as her first name: CHIOMA = God's Good Blood, ATINUKE = loved cherished and protected from the womb. AMARACHI = God's blessing, God's Grace, OGECHI = God's Time!

We must know with his power that God did not send his son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. I give many thanks and praise for this young beautiful daughter Chiomaezronesha... Truly, Chioma has represented her name through out her life.

Who is Chioma? Chioma is my daughter, whom loves Jesus. She is a very well respected and loved girl in her community. Chioma is invited to an International event every year, for students that have high GPA, and Excel in sports. Chioma wrote a story called "The Perfect Story". She describes how great her life is. Her love for her family is so innocent and pure. Chioma is my last beautiful baby girl.

On December 13, 2007, as usual, Chioma was driven to school by her father and two brothers. She was taken inside of the campus. That same day she was abducted by, Andrew Joshua Tafoya, a convicted felon. He abducted her on the same day he was released from work furlough. If anyone knows Chioma, she always takes a few important things with her. First her make-up, second electronics such as sidekick phone, and if she was going far away, third she would have taken her 1lb dog "Pink," that she carries everywhere in her purse. All of these personal belongings were at home. Trust and Believe that Chioma has been "ABDUCTED AND KIDNAPED." She is completely against her will, and her beliefs.

Her education is extremely important. Chioma’s number one dream in this life since the age of 6 was to become an OB/GYN. She was looking forward to join her sister, who is presently studying to become a Pediatrician. They had planned to open a practice together after receiving their degrees. My daughter, Chioma and my dreams are on hold. The absence of my Soul "Chioma" is desperately seeking the safe return of Chioma. Please pray that all of our dreams will come true. Our family has a strong belief in our Lord Jesus Christ; He is our Alpha and the Omega. We know that God’s word is True. Chioma is in God’s beautiful big hands, just waiting to return. No matter what the situation, God is in control! God has never failed! God is the same yesterday as he is today! I will always love him, worship him, adore, believe, have faith and trust only GOD!

And I know this, that whatever God does is final-nothing can be added or taken from it; God’s purpose in this is that man should fear the all-powerful God. Whatever is has been long ago; and whatever is going to be has been before; God brings to pass again what was in the distant past and disappeared.

Moreover, I notice that throughout the earth "JUSTICE" is giving way to "CRIME" and even the "POLICE" and COURTS" are "CORRUPT." I said to myself, "In due time season God will judge everything man does, both good and bad."

Remember, " Delay is not Denial." "Continue to pray without Ceasing"

"LORD SHOW ME HER FACE, SO WE CAN JUST SEE YOUR FACE"

Missing You "Cho Cho"!

---

I wonder if Chioma or her abductor ever use the Internet to see whether there is still activity to find her? If so, then I hope that they find this Lakessha Alert. I hope that this Lakeesha Alert is seen as a blessing by Chioma's mom. I don't know how else we can help her at this time ... I'm open to hearing some suggestions from villagers.

It is apparent that the Amber Alert system didn't work in this missing person case. Perhaps our Lakeesha Alert will have more impact.

Missing: Chioma Gray ~ $5,000 Reward

A private organization, the Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation, is offering a $5,000 reward for the safe return of Chioma Gray, an Oxnard teen missing since December.

Police and the FBI say Andrew Joshua Tafoya disappeared with 15-year-old Chioma Gray to Mexico seven months after pleading guilty to having unlawful sex with her. Tafoya was named in a federal criminal complaint for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution after being charged in December with child stealing, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and car theft, according to the FBI. A $5,000 reward also will be paid for information leading to Tafoya's arrest and conviction.

Gray's family and friends have not heard from her since she disappeared. Authorities ask anyone with information on the case to contact the FBI at (310) 477-6565 or Ventura police at (805) 339-4400. [SOURCE]

No Amber Alert Issued for Chioma Gray

I'm glad to see that Gloria Allred is representing Franciene Black, the mother of a missing California teen. The two of them held a press conference the other day to complain that law enforcement officials have done little since Black's daughter, 15-year old Chioma Gray was abducted by a 20-year old Ventura man in mid-December.

"As a mother, I'm extremely frustrated," said Franciene Black.

Police and the FBI say Andrew Joshua Tafoya disappeared with the 15-year-old girl into Mexico seven months after pleading guilty to having unlawful sex with her.

Authorities suspect Tafoya used a stolen car when he left with Chioma Gray on Dec. 13. Tafoya is charged with child stealing, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, vehicle theft and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Black criticized Ventura police for failing to issue an Amber Alert when her daughter disappeared. One of the girl's brothers, and her father, Desmond Gray, dropped the Buena High School student off at the Ventura school Dec. 13.

But Sgt. Jack Richards, a spokesman for Ventura police, said it would not have been appropriate to issue an Amber Alert. For starters, investigators do not think Gray was abducted but rather that she voluntarily left with Tafoya. Moreover, Gray was not "in immediate danger of death" when she disappeared, Richards said.

It is difficult to believe that a 15-year old white girl would go missing from her school without an amber alert. I think that Chioma Gray was discounted by law enforcement officials because she was a Black young girl. What say u?

Letter From Chioma Gray's Mother

Drumbeats came to us loudly from the NAACP Wichita Branch about a letter written by Chioma Gray's mom. Chioma is the 15-year old young girl missing since December 13, 2007. We encourage Villagers to keep Chioma and her family in your prayers. Here is the letter from Franciene Black...

---

On April 27, 1992, God loaned us one of his most incredible, gifts of all. The gift of life! A beyond, beautiful child of God. This gift was just what I had requested from Jesus. A healthy, beautiful baby girl. It was so very important that I observed this gift for two months before God gave me the name inscribed in Gods hand. It was so important that she be given a name of her character and a meaning representing God. She was blessed with his "Word" of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Lord knew that she was so special that he even stamped a birthmark on her body, representing Love, a beautiful heart!!! The definition of this baby loaned by Jesus Christ. A Child of God!

The Power is in the Blood of Jesus, was given as her first name: CHIOMA = God's Good Blood, ATINUKE = loved cherished and protected from the womb. AMARACHI = God's blessing, God's Grace, OGECHI = God's Time!

We must know with his power that God did not send his son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. I give many thanks and praise for this young beautiful daughter Chiomaezronesha... Truly, Chioma has represented her name through out her 15, years of life.

Who is Chioma? Chioma is my daughter, whom loves Jesus. She is a very well respected and loved girl in her community. Chioma is invited to an International event every year, for students that have high GPA, and Excel in sports. Chioma wrote a story called "The Perfect Story". She describes how great her life is. Her love for her family is so innocent and pure. Chioma is my last beautiful baby girl.
On December 13, 2007, as usual, Chioma was driven to school by her father and two brothers. She was taken inside of the campus. That same day she was abducted by, Andrew Joshua Tafoya, a convicted felon. He abducted her on the same day he was released from work furlough. If anyone knows Chioma, she always takes a few important things with her. First her make-up, second electronics such as sidekick phone, and if she was going far away, third she would have taken her 1lb dog "Pink," that she carries everywhere in her purse. All of these personal belongings were at home. Trust and Believe that Chioma has been "ABDUCTED AND KIDNAPED." She is completely against her will, and her beliefs.

Her education is extremely important. Chioma’s number one dream in this life since the age of 6 was to become an OB/GYN. She was looking forward to join her sister, who is presently studying to become a Pediatrician. They had planned to open a practice together after receiving their degrees. My daughter, Chioma and my dreams are on hold. The absence of my Soul "Chioma" is desperately seeking the safe return of Chioma. Please pray that all of our dreams will come true. Our family has a strong belief in our Lord Jesus Christ; He is our Alpha and the Omega. We know that God’s word is True. Chioma is in God’s beautiful big hands, just waiting to return. No matter what the situation, God is in control! God has never failed! God is the same yesterday as he is today! I will always love him, worship him, adore, believe, have faith and trust only GOD!

And I know this, that whatever God does is final-nothing can be added or taken from it; God’s purpose in this is that man should fear the all-powerful God. Whatever is has been long ago; and whatever is going to be has been before; God brings to pass again what was in the distant past and disappeared.

Moreover, I notice that throughout the earth "JUSTICE" is giving way to "CRIME" and even the "POLICE" and COURTS" are "CORRUPT." I said to myself, "In due time season God will judge everything man does, both good and bad."

Remember, " Delay is not Denial." "Continue to pray without Ceasing"

"LORD SHOW ME HER FACE, SO WE CAN JUST SEE YOUR FACE"

Missing You "Cho Cho"!

---

Any suggestions or thoughts on action that we can take over and above keeping the Chioma Gray, Franciene Black and their family in our prayers?

Is Chioma Gray in Portland?

Investigators have reason to believe that Chioma Gray may be in Portland with a man identified as Andrew Tafoya. Gray was reported missing Dec. 13. She and Tafoya were last seen in a white 2008 Acura TSX with California plates: 6AXX928.

Missing: Chioma Gray (Update)

Villagers are encouraged by NAACP Wichita Branch to lift up Chioma Gray in prayer, and that you would also lift up Chioma's family.

Kevin Myles, NAACP Wichita Branch president wrote,

"Since the abduction I have had the opportunity to speak and to really dialogue with Chioma's Mother and I have found her to be a woman of great faith who is fighting with everything she has to find her baby. Chioma has siblings and a loving family who desperately want her home. Her mother has worked so hard in
this case, doing everything a mother could possibly do to try and find her baby and we all need to just pray that God gives her the strength to keep her head up and keep fighting for Chioma's safe return. I am trusting and believing in almighty God that Chioma will make it home safely. Let us all keep that faith."

Click here for comprehensive update on Chioma Gray abduction.

Missing: Chioma Gray

Chioma Gray is a 15-year old girl abducted from her hometown of Oxnard, CA. She is not blue-eyed and blonde ... so the mainstream media hasn't told you about her story yet. It is up to us to beat the drums on blogs like Black and Missing But Not Forgotten or Wichita NAACP to get her story out. We ask all Villagers to be vigilant in looking after their own children ... and keeping an eye out for Chioma as well.