TACOMA — The mother of an 11-year-old boy who made national headlines for twice talking his way through security at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport could lose custody of all five of her children.
Pierce County Superior Court Judge Frank Cuthbertson on Thursday ordered a review of Sakinah Booker’s fitness as a parent, citing confidential records provided to him by state Child Protective Services officials. The records indicate physical abuse or neglect and “a pattern of behavior that causes the court significant concern,” Cuthbertson said.
Semaj Booker, 11, twice traveled alone to Sea-Tac, talked his way through federal security checkpoints and either boarded or tried to board airplanes headed south. He’s on probation for stealing a neighbor’s car in 2007.
Cuthbertson’s order came during a hearing in the boy’s latest case, on charges stemming from an alleged residential burglary.
The announcement appeared to shock Booker, who was sitting in the gallery with one of her sons.
“So, he’s going to take my kids?” Booker blurted out, according to The News Tribune of Tacoma.
She later left the court without commenting.
Her son’s criminal attorneys, Jean O’Loughlin and John Austin, also declined to comment.
Deputy Prosecutor Fred Wist said the outcome of the dependency action would have no effect on the criminal case against Semaj.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
