Voluntary Sworn Statement
| 21 DEC 2020 4d69636861656c204a2e204d657272697474 3732302031737420537420532c204e65 77746f6e2c2049412035303230380d0a Career: Active Duty Military Retired/Philosophy Major/ Writer/Information Systems Manager/Entrepreneur Statement Taken By: Ames Police Department: Officer Rohland – 858 Guthrie County Sheriff: Deputy Bennett/Case: 391220-3262 | 3732302031737420537420532c204e65 77746f6e2c2049412035303230380d0a DOB: 32352044454320313937380d 0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a Phone: Phone: | 515-239-5133 641-747-2214 |
Enclosures:
1. Timeline 21 AUG 2019 – Present
Court Orders:
1. 08 APR 2019 – San Diego East County Superior Court establishes ******* J. ******* as Primary Care provider pending custody determination at final trial on 04 MAR 2021. ******* J. ******* is now allegedly known as ******* J. ******* but may also go by ******* J. ******** or CJ Soulful.
2. 05 JUN 2019 – San Diego East County Superior Court orders the interviews of ***** ** Merritt and ******* P. Merritt regarding allegations of sexual and physical abuse reported by ******* J. *******.
3. 31 OCT 2019 – San Diego East County Superior Court Assigns Meredith Levin as Minor Counsel while unaware the children in this court case are being concealed in the state of Iowa by an unauthorized third-party.
4. 12 DEC 2019 – ******* J. ******* attends Child Support Enforcement hearing demanding child support while concealing she no longer had custody and that she transferred custody to Matthew E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt of Ames, IA.
Violations of Iowa Code:
1. Iowa Code Section ***.* – ********* ***** *** ****
2. Iowa Code Section ***.* – **********
3. Iowa Code Section ***.* – ********* ********* *****
4. Iowa Code Section ***.* – ********* **** ******* ** ********
5. Iowa Code Section ***.* – ***** ************
Children Involved
1.***** ****** Merritt – DOB: ** *** ****
2. ******* ****** Merritt – DOB: ** *** ****
Parties Evidence show have violated Iowa State Code:
1. Matthew Edward Merritt; **** ******** ***, Ames, IA 50010
2. Sara Nicole Merritt; **** ******** ***, Ames, IA 50010
Evidence to Support this conclusion:
School records for ***** ** Merritt/******* ** Merritt from Whitefish High School, Montana, show they were in the custody of Matthew E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt from August 2019 – February 20201. ******* ** ******* reported on DV-120 dated 01 MAY 2020 that she did not have custody of the children during August 2019 – February 20202; however, she concealed from San Diego East County Superior Court to whom she transferred custody to.
While the children in this court case were in the custody of Matthew E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt, both denied 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a (Father) the ability to see his children, know their location, and be a part of their lives from August 2019-February 2020. Matthew
E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt conspired with ******* ** ******* to transfer custody in violation of standing court orders/CA Family Code, and to conceal the children in San Diego East County Superior Court Case ED100465 while ******* ** ******* was receiving child support. The concealment of ***** ** Merritt and ******* ** Merritt has been ongoing since August of 20173.
This action and conspiracy by Matthew E. Merritt and Sara N. Merritt with ******* ** ******* caused significant damage to the 31 OCT 2019 court proceedings in San Diego East County Superior Court case ED100465. By assisting with the coordination and transfer of the children in this court case to Iowa without the authorization of San Diego East County Superior Court ***** and ******* ******* were prevented from appearing at two court ordered FCS Child Interviews on 21 AUG 2020 and 31 AUG 20194. These FCS Child Interviews were ordered on 05 JUN 2019 by Honorable Judge Martin5 in regards to ******* ** *******’s false criminal allegations of spousal rape and child molestation. Honorable Judge Martin communicated in court on 31 OCT 2019 ***** and ******* *******’s failure to appear (while they were supposed to be in the
- ICIA Exhibit C
- ICIA Exhibit D, 01 MAY 2020 DV-120, paragraph 26;
- ICIA Exhibit G
- Exhibit I, pages 8 and 9
- Exhibit B, pages 9 and 11
Page 1
custody of ******* J. *******) caused significant damage to the court proceedings on 31 OCT 2019 because ***** and ******* Merritt’s testimony was not available to compare with the testimony the Petitioner had already provided in court as Honorable Judge Martin communicated the intentions of the court ordered child interviews on court documents dated 05 JUN 20196.
On 05 JUN 2019 Honorable Judge Martin of San Diego East County Superior Court Department 5 ordered ***** and ******* to be interviewed by the court7. As Evidence shows in Exhibit H ******* Merritt had already communicated that she had been coached and coerced into making false statements, and told what she was allowed and not allowed to say. ***** ** Merritt and ******* P. Merritt failed to appear for two scheduled court interviews on 21 AUG 2019 and 30 AUG 20198 due to ******* J. *******’s transfer of the children to Matthew E. Merritt and Sara N. Merritt during the month of August 2019. Matthew E. Merritt and Sara N. Merritt’s cooperation in this conspiracy allowed ******* J. ******* to prevent ***** and ****** from providing testimony that evidence shows would have contradicted ******* J. *******’s previous testimony on court documents she submitted on 17 MAY 20199 that sexual abuse had occurred. Matthew E. Merritt and Sara N. Merritt’s participation in this conspiracy of unauthorized transfer of custody assisted ******* J. ******* in the concealment of ***** and ******* Merritt from the court and the suppression of their testimony from San Diego East County Superior Court case ED100465.
Iowa Code 710.6 – Violating custodial order states: 1. A relative of a child who, acting in violation of an order of any court which fixes, permanently or temporarily, the custody or physical care of the child in another, takes and conceals the child, within or outside the state, from the person having lawful custody or physical care, commits a class “D” felony. 2. A parent of a child living apart from the other parent who conceals that child or causes that child’s whereabouts to be unknown to a parent with visitation rights or parental time in violation of a court order granting visitation rights or parental time and without the other parent’s consent, commits a serious misdemeanor. [C79, 81, §710.6] 85 Acts, ch 132, §1; 86 Acts, ch 1145, §1; 2018 Acts, ch 1041, §127
Iowa Code 720.4 – Tampering with witnesses or jurors states: A person who offers any bribe to any person who the offeror believes has been or may be summoned as a witness or juror in any judicial or arbitration proceeding, or any legislative
6. Exhibit B, pages 9 and 11ICIA Exhibit B, pages 9 and 11
8. ICIA Exhibit I
9. ICIA Exhibit D, page 22
Page 2
hearing, or who makes any threats toward such person or who forcibly or fraudulently detains or restrains such person, with the intent to improperly influence such witness or juror with respect to the witness’ or juror’s testimony or decision in such case, or to prevent such person from testifying or serving in such case, or who, in retaliation for anything lawfully done by any witness or juror in any case, harasses such witness or juror, commits an aggravated misdemeanor. [C51, §2646, 2652, 2654; R60, §4273, 4279, 4281; C73, §3938, 3944, 3946; C97, §4874, 4880, 4882; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §13167, 13172, 13297; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77,
§721.3, 723.1, 739.6; C79, 81, §720.4] Referred to in §723A.1
Once the concealed transfer of ***** ** Merritt and ******* P. Merritt to Ames, IA was completed in August of 201910, Matthew E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt assumed concealed custody in violation of standing orders issued by San Diego East County Superior Court that ******* J. ******* is responsible for the physical care of ***** and ******* Merritt until custody is determined on 04 MAR 202111. On 28 AUG 2019, Sara N. Merritt registered ***** and ******* Merritt for school at Ames High School12, IA. Matthew E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt jointly assumed custody and continued concealing the location of ***** ** Merritt and ******* ** Merritt from their father 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a and the court from August 2019 – February 2020. Matthew E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt concluded their active involvement in this conspiracy by transferring custody back to ******* J. ******* between 07 FEB 2019 and 25 FEB 2019 as attendance records from Ames High School, IA show absences starting around 07 FEB 2019 for both children13. On February 25, 2020 ***** and ******* were enrolled in Whitefish High School, Montana by ******* J. *******14. Blocks requesting information about the children’s father are crossed out15.
As historical evidence shows Matthew E. Merritt has conspired with ******* J. ******* previously for the purpose of providing information about 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a and assistance to ******* J. *******.
1. Matthew E. Merritt communicated to ******* J. *******, “Michael left for Bahrain today”.16
2. Matthew E. Merritt communicated to ******* J. *******, “Michael is back on leave stayin in marshalltown i think 3 weeks i guess not totally sure where he is
10. ICIA Exhibit C, pages 20 & 54
11. ICIA Exhibit B, page 4
12. ICIA Exhibit C, pages 20 & 54
13. ICIA Exhibit C, pages 18 and 51
14. ICIA Exhibit C, pages 8 and 39
15. ICIA Exhibit C, pages 24, 29, 50, and 58
16. ICIA Exhibit E, page 2
Page 3
did u know he was back?”17 [sic].
3. Matthew E. Merritt communicated to ******* J. *******, “Heard michael was in San Diego how did that go?”18 [sic].
4. Matthew E. Merritt communicated to ******* J. *******, “I don’t know what he’s thinkin movin to marshalltown i guess he lives in our old neighborhood reverting back to childhood i guess”19 [sic].
5. Matthew E. Merritt communicated to ******* J. *******, “Yeah I would get the restraining order. Does he have any weapons? Guns etc”20
6. Matthew E. Merritt communicated to ******* J. *******, “You need a restraining order like yesterday.”21
7. Matthew E. Merritt communicated to ******* J. *******, “If you ever need someone to talk to we’re here for you. My number is 515-460-7611.”22
8. Matthew E. Merritt communicated to ******* J. *******, “Hey, just to let you know if sounds like Michael will be here Wednesday or Thursday for the funeral. Mom talked to Trish about the divorce. Told her you refused to have sex with him unless he paid you, and that you broke his toes and abused the children. She’s worried about the kids safety with you. WTF”23 [sic].
9. Matthew E. Merritt communicated to ******* J. *******, “Hey, Michael is here in Iowa now, and is staying until Sunday.”24
10. Matthew E. Merritt communicated to ******* J. *******, “Hey how’s it going. Aunt Llora was wondering what the best way to communicate would be she is not on facebook.”25 (***** **** Sister of 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a’s biological Father)
11. Matthew E. Merritt communicated to ******* J. *******, “I can give dad you number if you like”26 [sic] (dad – Don B. Merritt Jr.)
12. Matthew E. Merritt communicated to ******* J. *******, “How’s everything going. Stuff with Michael get resolved. I have not heard anything on this side.”27
13. Matthew E. Merritt responds to ******* J. *******’s question about meeting his niece and nephew, “Absolutely, Dad and I would love that.”28
14. Matthew E. Merritt communicated to ******* J. *******, “I don’t know under what situation but we really want to have a relationship with the kids. I know
17. ICIA Exhibit E, page 6
18. ICIA Exhibit E, page 8
19. ICIA Exhibit E, page 12
20. ICIA Exhibit E, page 34
21. ICIA Exhibit E, page 43
22. ICIA Exhibit E, page 44
23. ICIA Exhibit E, page 45
24. ICIA Exhibit E, page 49
25. ICIA Exhibit E, page 54
26. ICIA Exhibit E, page 55
27. ICIA Exhibit E, page 61
28. ICIA Exhibit E, page 63
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they’re well on and all, but I would love to connect with them and you more.”29
Iowa Code Section 706.1 Conspiracy: 1. A person commits conspiracy with another if, with the intent to promote or facilitate the commission of a crime which is an aggravated misdemeanor or felony, the person does either of the following: a. Agrees with another that they or one or more of them will engage in conduct constituting the crime or an attempt or solicitation to commit the crime. b. Agrees to aid another in the planning or commission of the crime or of an attempt or solicitation to commit the crime. 2. It is not necessary for the conspirator to know the identity of each and every conspirator. 3. A person shall not be convicted of conspiracy unless it is alleged and proven that at least one conspirator committed an overt act evidencing a design to accomplish the purpose of the conspiracy by criminal means. 4. A person shall not be convicted of conspiracy if the only other person or persons involved in the conspiracy were acting at the behest of or as agents of a law enforcement agency in an investigation of the criminal activity alleged at the time of the formation of the conspiracy. [C51, §2758, 2996; R60, §4408, 4790; C73, §4087, 4425; C97, §5059, 5490; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §13162, 13902; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §719.1, 782.6; C79, 81, §706.1] 87 Acts, ch 129, §1 Referred to in §717A.3B
Matthew E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt victimized and endangered the mental and emotional health of ***** and ******* Merritt by actively concealing them and denying them the ability to have a relationship with their Father during crucial developing years of their life. Matthew E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt victimized and endangered the mental and emotional health of ***** and ******* Merritt by concealing them and denying them the ability to have a relationship with their Father based on false criminal allegations of child molestation that the San Diego County Sheriff investigated during the Summer of 2017 and determined in case: 17136819 that all contact between 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a (Father) and ******* Merritt to be normal parental contact. Matthew
E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt victimized and endangered the mental and emotional health of ***** and ******* Merritt by actively concealing them and denying them the ability to have a relationship with their Father based on the false allegations of other forms of abuse that ******* J. ******* has spread publicly on social media, in court documents with San Diego East County Court Department 5, and the San Diego County Sheriff since 2017 while never presenting evidence to support her allegations and no charges ever being filed against 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a. Matthew E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt victimized and endangered the mental and emotional health of ***** and *******
29. ICIA Exhibit E, page 65
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Merritt by reinforcing their Mother’s false allegations of sexual assault toward a child (that ******* Merritt has denied occurred and has communicated she was coached and coerced on what to say and what not to say) as well as other false allegations of sexual assault while they had custody of ***** and ******* Merritt and concealed them from 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a from August 2019 – February 2020.
As a society, we are evolving to where we recognize a person’s choice to identify their own sexual identity. Our republic has issued laws in recent years protecting private citizens’ right to their own sexual identity. This emotional and biological development is based upon thoughts and feelings stored in the brain that develop and evolve throughout our lives. Currently, our laws from state to state across this nation generally recognize sexual assault as physical abuse toward a body part. We now recognize individuals determine their sexual identity within their minds. Is a guardian that reshapes a child’s perception of how they see one of their parents with false allegations of sexual assault, not sexual abuse? The brain is the organ of our body that stores who we are and how we think and feel. Is the mind not as crucial as any other part of the body that is protected by our laws regarding sexual assault? Is the brain not a sexual organ shared by both men and women that develops and processes our thoughts, feelings, and sexuality? How are adults that actively manipulate a child into believing they were sexually abused or that one of their parents is guilty of sexual abuse, not guilty of sexual assault? Why does an assault on the organ in our body that controls how we think and feel not protected by our laws like the rest of the physical parts of our body?
Iowa Code Section 726.6 Child endangerment: 1. A person who is the parent, guardian, or person having custody or control over a child or a minor under the age of eighteen with a mental or physical disability, or a person who is a member of the household in which a child or such a minor resides, commits child endangerment when the person does any of the following: a. Knowingly acts in a manner that creates a substantial risk to a child or minor’s physical, mental or emotional health or safety.
How much damage has Matthew E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt caused ***** and ******* Merritt by concealing them from their Father and denying them the ability to have a relationship with their Father during the developing years of their life?
When a parent or third parties that have not been authorized by the court assume custody of children and conceal them form their Father and deny them the ability to have a relationship with that parent based on false criminal allegations of sexual assault, are they not enticing them and forcing them to believe a false reality to motivate them to disconnect from that parent.
Is it not sexual abuse when adults manipulate children’s reality in a sexual nature regarding how they perceive one of their parents during years of their life when they are developing mentally, emotionally, and sexually?
Matthew E. Merritt and Sara N. Merritt have caused an immeasurable amount of mental and emotional damage to ***** and ******* Merritt that will ripple throughout their lives. They accomplished this by taking the law into their own hands and violating sections of the Iowa Code that are in place to protect the integrity of every child’s developing years. If we do not prosecute those that break these laws, they mean nothing. They are just a facade to ease the conscience of a society that claims to care about children while we continue to see in the news stories of so many children’s lives destroyed because someone did not do what was right to protect their safety.
One could argue, “The children can contact the parent if they want to.” Why would children contact a parent their guardian is concealing them from? Why would children contact the parent their guardian entices them not to tell where they live because they are told that parent is abusive? Susan Heitler Ph.D states in Psychology Today in the article, “Parental Alienation Syndrome: What Is It, and Who Does It?”30:
Parental alienation syndrome, a term coined in the 1980s by child psychiatrist Dr. Richard A. Gardner, occurs when one parent attempts to turn the couple’s children against the other parent. A parent who is angry at the spouse or ex-spouse accomplishes this estrangement by painting a negative picture of the other parent via deprecating comments, blame, and false accusations shared with the children. They may also “hoard” the kids, doing all they can to thwart the other parent from spending time with them.
In my clinical practice, the alienating parent has most often been a mother who is turning the children against their dad. At the same time, I have also had multiple families in which Dad is the alienating parent, turning the children against their mother. In general, the alienating parent is the least emotionally healthy of the two; they’re often more wealthy, as well, and are better able to afford legal challenges.
The sad reality is that parents who damage their children’s natural affection for the other parent are doing serious—and even abusive—damage. PT blogger Edward Kruk, Ph.D., also writes about parental alienation. In one of his posts, he shares this important piece of research:
A survey taken at the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts’ annual (2014)
30. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/resolution-not-conflict/201802/
parental-alienation-syndrome-what-i s-it-and-who-does-it
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conference reported 98 percent agreement “in support of the basic tenet of parental alienation: children can be manipulated by one parent to reject the other parent who does not deserve to be rejected.”
For the child, the biopsychosocial-spiritual effects of parental alienation are devastating. For both the alienated parent and child, the removal and denial of contact in the absence of neglect or abuse constitute cruel and unusual treatment… As a form of child maltreatment, parental alienation is a serious child protection matter as it undermines a basic principle of social justice for children: the right to know and be cared for by both of one’s parents.
How much evidence of abuse must be available before law enforcement and the courts identify the possibility that the children being victimized are suffering from Parental Alienation Syndrome based on the conduct of the adults that have had custody and what they tell or “force” the children to think, feel, and believe via the illusory truth effect. Illusory abuse is when a person having control or influence over another utilizes communication and a repetitive dialog of falsehoods to reshape and program the thoughts, feelings, and actions of another. It is just as malicious as an assault on the body because it impacts who the victim(s) will be and how they think and feel for the rest of their life. Matthew E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt have actively engaged and conspired with ******* J. *******, who initiated this malicious, heinous, and evil action against two children that have every right to maximum continuous physical and emotional contact with both of their parents. So they have the ability to build a healthy foundation within themselves so that they can lead a happy and successful life. Anyone who stands against this ideal and Iowa’s definition of what is in the best interest of a child has put their own malicious agenda and what they stand to gain or lose above the needs of that child.
Any law enforcement or court that does not recognize and enforce those laws is just as guilty as those that violated the rights of the children that were victimized, and I will not rest until all parties are held accountable for the damage that has been caused to the life of my children.
Matthew and Sara Merritt had no right, no authorization, and no moral place having custody of my children while concealing them from me. I hope that the Iowa Justice system will hold them accountable so that other citizens see that this behavior is not tolerated. So that other parents are not denied the ability to be with their children. Because someone else takes the law into their own hands and decides for themselves who has a right to custody and who does not while showing complete contempt for the court that has jurisdiction, the family unit which is the fabric of our society,
American culture, the children they are victimizing, and a parent’s ability to love and be a part of their children’s lives.
Matthew E. Merritt and Sara N. Merritt put their own malicious agenda and misguided loyalty to a Mother who has concealed ***** and ******* Merritt for the last 4 years as a higher priority over what is in the best interest of the children. Matthew E. Merrit/Sara N. Merritt violated Iowa Code by concealing these children from a lawful parent and denying them maximum continuous physical and emotional contact with their Father without proper justification or lawful authorization to do so. As defined by Iowa Code 598.1 Matthew E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt’s actions are considered harmful and not in the best interest of the children they were not authorized by the court to have custody of.
Iowa Code Section 726.6 Child endangerment Paragraph 1 Subsection B states: By an intentional act or series of intentional acts, uses unreasonable force, torture or cruelty that results in bodily injury, or that is intended to cause serious injury. c. By an intentional act or series of intentional acts, evidences unreasonable force, torture or cruelty which causes substantial mental or emotional harm to a child or minor.
Iowa Code Section 598.1 Definitions: 1. “Best interest of the child” includes but is not limited to the opportunity for maximum continuous physical and emotional contact possible with both parents, unless direct physical or significant emotional harm to the child may result from this contact. Refusal by one parent to provide this opportunity without just cause shall be considered harmful to the best interest of the child.
The brain is an organ of the body and a part of the body that requires just as much protection under the law as any other body part that is injured by an abusive party or forced to do something against their will (non-consensual) of the person that possesses the offended body part.
Definition of brain31
1. a: the portion of the vertebrate central nervous system enclosed in the skull and continuous with the spinal cord through the foramen magnum that is composed of neurons and supporting and nutritive structures (such as gila) and that integrates sensory information from inside and outside the body in
31 Merriam-Webster Online, “https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brain”
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controlling autonomic function (such as heartbeat and respiration), ion coordinating and directing correlated motor responses, and in the process of learning.
2. Definition of force32
1. (c): capacity to persuade or convince Definition of injury33
1. hurt, damage, or loss sustained
2. an act that damages or hurts : WRONG
3. violation of another’s rights for which the law allows an action to recover damages
As a Father and a 20 year veteran of the United States Navy that did not get a normal opportunity to connect with my children daily during their childhood because of deployments and other military operations. I am outraged that after losing additional years of time with my children while they are still in their developing years due to false allegations of sexual assault. I discovered in my investigation that my brother and his wife (Matthew E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt who I have not had a healthy relationship with or open communication with for several years) involved themselves in the concealment of my children while violating standing court orders from San Diego East County Superior Court, Iowa Code, and while California Family Code was violated by ******* J. ******* in the transfer of my children to Matthew and Sara Merritt’s custody in Ames, Iowa. I am devastated that two people with no concept of what it is like to be a parent would steal that opportunity from someone else that loves their children and has every right to be a part of their lives. It is a constant of humanity that those without ethics and respect for their society’s laws, who lack the courage or ability to ethically and responsibly produce for themselves, will take from others.
Individuals evidence shows were involved with Matthew E. Merritt, Sara N. Merritt, and ******* J. *******
1. ******** *** Buttler; *** * *** **, Guthrie Center, IA 50115. Evidence supporting involvement:
1. Motivated and inspired ******* J. *******’s spread of false criminal
allegations of abuse against 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a by stipulating that he could be abusive because she communicated his ****** Pamela ***
32. Merriam-Webster Online, “https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/force”
33. Merriam-Webster Online, “https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/injury”
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******* was abusive34. ******** *** Buttler’s assertion that Pam ******* was abusive toward her children in her messages with ******* J. ******* was a defamatory claim. If true, ******** Buttler incriminated herself in violation of Iowa Code 703.3 because she failed to report this alleged abuse she witnessed. I experienced zero involvement with the police or any Iowa Department of Human Services personnel at my residence as a child for any forms of abuse or neglect during my childhood. I grew up in an ordinary American household.
2. ******** *** Buttler communicates to ******* ******* within days of our separation, “Stick to your guns m keep those kids cuz michEl n Pam r not good influences”35 [sic].
3. ******** *** Buttler communicates to ******* ******* regarding 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a, “Absolutely not! It’s a type if mental abuse”36 [sic].
4. ******** *** Buttler communicated to ******* ******* regarding 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a, “I think you could use Bahrain as abandonment in divorce”37. ******** *** Buttler in this statement is coaching ******* ******* to utilize a situation where 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a was ordered by the United States Navy to go somewhere as a reason to claim abandonment.
5. ******** *** Buttler communicated to *******, “Just know that u do have support from me Matt n Sara if u move back to Iowa. You r family”38 [sic].
6. ******** *** Buttler communicated to *******, “If I move to Iowa use that as a major compromise on your part to make this work. He can get things from Grandpa house”39 [sic](******** Buttler’s residence).
7. ******** *** Buttler communicated to *******, “You need to change all locks if his name not in it how did he get in”40 [sic].
8. ******** *** Buttler has directed ******* J. ******* to press charges against 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a.41
9. ******** *** Buttler communicates to ******* J. *******, “Good grief use those examples of why you r better parent with lawyer. Make lots of notes about his lack of involvement. Particularly volunteering for Bahrain rather than stay with kids n marriage.”42 [sic]. In this statement
34. ICIA Exhibit E, page 106
35. ICIA Exhibit E, page 81
36. ICIA Exhibit E, page 86
37. ICIA Exhibit E, page 91
38. ICIA Exhibit E, page 97
39. ICIA Exhibit E, page 97
40. ICIA Exhibit E, page 107
41. ICIA Exhibit E, page 108
42. ICIA Exhibit E, page 112
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******** *** Buttler is directing ******* J. ******* to use 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a’s military career against him to secure custody.
10. On 12/30/2016 ******* J. ******* sends ******** Buttler a copy of the email she sent the United States Navy full of false allegations of abuse43. That she does not mention at all in her conversations with ******** *** Buttler or Matthew E. Merritt. This email was sent the day after ******** *** Buttler said 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a might be abusive in Exhibit E, page 107.
11. ******** *** Buttler communicated to ******* J. *******, “Keep kids at sisters do he can’t get them. Better to miss a few days of school have homework n notes emailed home. That’s my advice.”44 [sic].
12. ******** *** Buttler communicated to ******* J. *******, “Feel free to contact me or Matt as often as needed. We have lots of experience with how Pam thinks”45
13. ******** *** Buttler communicates to ******* J. *******, “Matt wants me to be his mom!”, “Matt calls me Aunt Mom”.46
14. ******** *** Buttler is known to contact ******* J. ******* or be contacted by her associates47.
15. ****** *** *******, Guthrie Center, IA can testify that ******** Buttler was regularly at the residence of the individuals named in paragraphs 4 and 5.
16. ****** *** ******* can testify that ******** Buttler was at the home of those designated in paragraphs 4 and 5 between August 2019 and February 2020, specifically on Thanksgiving of 2019.
17. ******** *** Buttler is known to be involved in triangulated communications with ******* J. ******* and Matthew E. Merritt for the purpose of planning, coordination, and conspiracy to track me and plan my children’s future without me being a part of their lives48.
6. The transfer of custody of ***** and ******* Merritt occurred at the time I originally reported the first restraining order violation and child concealment to the Newton Police Department in August of 201949. ******** Buttler acknowledged being contacted by ****** ******* in August of 2019 when she was assisting ******* J. ******* with finding someone to take custody of ***** and ******* Merritt. *** ******* is
43. ICIA Exhibit E, page 116
44. ICIA Exhibit E, page 125
45. ICIA Exhibit E, page 126
46. ICIA Exhibit E, page149
47. ICIA Exhibit E, ICIA Exhibit F 48 ICIA Exhibit E, ICIA Exhibit F 49 ICIA Exhibit F
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a witness to ******** *** Buttler acknowledging this contact in August of 2019.
Iowa Code Section 703.3 – Accessory after the fact: Any person having knowledge that a public offense has been committed and that a certain person committed it, and who does not stand in the relation of husband or wife to the person who committed the offense, who harbors, aids or conceals the person who committed the offense, with the intent to prevent the apprehension of the person who committed the offense, commits an aggravated misdemeanor if the public offense committed was a felony, or commits a simple misdemeanor if the public offense was a misdemeanor. [C51, §2929; R60, §4669; C73, §4315; C97, §5300; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12896; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 7
1. Children’s UCCJEA Home State
California, Court: San Diego East County Court, Case: ED10046550
8. Current Primary Care Provider
1. ******* J. *******, a.k.a. ******* J. Merritt, a.k.a ******* J. ********, a.k.a. CJ Soulful is referred to as “******* J. *******” throughout this document.
2. San Diego East County Superior Court has jurisdiction over the children in this court case and currently has standing orders assigning primary care to ******* J. *******51. The court has ordered child support for ******* J. ******* as of 08 APR 2019 in the amount of $1267.00 monthly from 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a52. San Diego East County Court Department 5 will determine permanent custody on 04 MAR 2021. Facts to consider: Research through public records has revealed that the current legal name of ******* J. ******* is possibly unknown.
3. Her legal name was ******* J. Merritt as of 25 DEC 2016 at the time of legal separation.
4. ******* J. Merritt married ***** ***** ******* on 12 JUN 2020 in Flathead County, Montana, and had the record sealed. This record’s sealing is consistent with other behavior executed by ******* J. ******* to conceal her location and location and information about ***** and ******* Merritt preventing discovery of evidence for this court case. ******* J. ******* falsified her address on California Department of Motor Vehicle paperwork to conceal her residence53. This being a violation of California VEH
50. ICIA Exhibit I
51. ICIA Exhibit B page 4, ICIA Exhibit I
52. ICIA Exhibit B, page 4
53. ICIA Exhibit G, page 13
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Code 20, considered perjury in the state of California.
5. ******* J. ******* informed Honorable Judge Miller of San Diego East County Superior Court Department 5 when asked her legal name in court on 31 JUL 2020 that it was currently ******* J. *******. “******* J. Alatorre” has been showing up as the primary name in the last few weeks in public record database searches. After being reported for concealing her address with a falsified address on her California Driver’s License54, *******
J. ******* has utilized the California Safe at Home Program55, and is now utilizing the Montana Consumer Protection Program56 to conceal her address.
San Diego East County Superior Court Department 5 never authorized this out of state transfer of custody, ******* J. ******* never requested to transfer custody of ***** and ******* Merritt to an out of state third-party from the court or 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a (Father) as required in California Family Code 2040/304057. ******* J. ******* did not inform the court of this out of state transfer of custody until filing her 01 MAY 2020 DV-120 (Domestic Violence Protection Request Response) while still concealing who she transferred custody to58. Matthew E. Merritt/Sara N. Merritt did not have approval from San Diego East County Superior Court Department 5 or 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a to assume custody as required in California Family Code 3040, nor did they request it or reveal they had custody to the court or 4d69636861656c204a2e204d6572726974740d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a0d0a from August 2019 – February 2020 while ***** and ******* Merritt resided with them at 1812 Ferndale Ave, Ames, IA 50010.
California Family Code 2040(a) states: In addition to the contents required by Section
412.20 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the summons shall contain a temporary restraining order: (1) Restraining both parties from removing the minor child or children of the parties, if any, from the state, or from applying for a new or replacement passport for the minor child or children, without the prior written consent of the other party or an order of the court.
******* J. ******* is not above the law. She is subject to the orders of San Diego East County Superior Court Department 5 who has jurisdiction over the children’s best interests in this court case. ******* J. ******* is not authorized, nor has she been permitted to decide who has custody of the children in this court case or execute sovereign decisions on what party she chooses to transfer custody.
54. ICIA Exhibit G, page 16
55. ICIA Exhibit G, page 20
56. ICIA Exhibit G, page 27
57. ICIA Exhibit I
58. ICIA Exhibit I, Exhibit D; 01 MAY 2020 DV-120, paragraph 26
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California Family Code 3040 states: (a) Custody should be granted in the following order of preference according to the best interest of the child as provided in Sections 3011 and 3020:
(1) To both parents jointly pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 3080) or to either parent. In making an order granting custody to either parent, the court shall consider, among other factors, which parent is more likely to allow the child frequent and continuing contact with the noncustodial parent, consistent with Sections 3011 and 3020. The court, in its discretion, may require the parents to submit to the court a plan for the implementation of the custody order.
(2) If to neither parent, to the person or persons in whose home the child has been living in a wholesome and stable environment.
(3) To any other person or persons deemed by the court to be suitable and able to provide adequate and proper care and guidance for the child.
(b) The immigration status of a parent, legal guardian, or relative shall not disqualify the parent, legal guardian, or relative from receiving custody under subdivision (a).
(c) The court shall not consider the sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation of a parent, legal guardian, or relative in determining the best interest of the child under subdivision (a).
(d) This section establishes neither a preference nor a presumption for or against joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or sole custody, but allows the court and the family the widest discretion to choose a parenting plan that is in the best interest of the child, consistent with this section.
(e) In cases where a child has more than two parents, the court shall allocate custody and visitation among the parents based on the best interest of the child, including, but not limited to, addressing the child’s need for continuity and stability by preserving established patterns of care and emotional bonds. The court may order that not all parents share legal or physical custody of the child if the court finds that it would not be in the best interest of the child as provided in Sections 3011 and 3020.
(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 551, Sec. 3. (SB 495) Effective January 1, 2020.)
