Texas

Waterbury Kids Safe After Amber Alert; Mother and Boyfriend in Custody

Three children who were the subject of an Amber Alert last month after they were reported missing from Waterbury have been found safe, and their mother and her boyfriend have been arrested in Texas.

The Denton County Sheriff’s Office confirms 29-year-old Crystal McGrath and 38-year-old Lester Joy are being held at the Denton County jail. They each face charges of risk of injury and custodial interference.

Amber Alerts were issued in Texas for McGrath’s three children, who were reported missing from Waterbury on February 16.

All three children, 2-year-old Maryah Matthew, 5-year-old Dylan McGrath and 7-year-old Maddison McGrath, were last seen with Crystal on February 16, 2019, at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Officers said Crystal was allowed supervised visits with her three children, but she violated the conditions of the supervised release.

Police said Crystal left a McDonald's restaurant on Reidville Drive in Waterbury with the children. Her boyfriend, Joy, was believed to be in the vehicle at the time.

crystal mcgrath and lester joy
Texas Ambert Alert Network

Police said they were searching for Crystal and Joy in connection with the kids' abduction and traced them to Texas.

The Connecticut Department of Children and Families are working to reunite the children with their guardian.

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