The Toms River Police Department has made three arrests in connection to the willful interference of Ashley Combs’s custody case.
According to authorities, on March 22nd Ashley Combs was reported missing after she did not return home from school.
Officials say that early in the investigation officers and detectives involved with the case determined that it was highly likely that Ms. Combs was not in danger and was more than likely staying with family or friends in the area willingly.
According to authorities, on Wednesday Detective Ryan Quinn, with assistance from Detectives Chencharik and Bucci, were able to locate Ashley in the custody of her biological father Brian Combs. It is believed, and now borne through the efforts of this investigation, that participants moved Ashley between different homes in an effort to conceal her location while law enforcement attempted to locate her.
Additionally, during the course of the investigation it was learned that there were concerns about Ashley’s home environment. Given the totality of the circumstances a referral was made to the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency.
The personnel at this agency have the authority and training to investigate any the concerns raised during the course of this investigation. Any further questions about this aspect of the investigation should be directed to the DCP&P.
To date, police charged Brian Combs with Obstruction and Interference with Custody ab was subsequently lodged at the Ocean County Jail; Linda Roszel was charged with Obstruction and Interference with Custody, she was subsequently released on a summons; Mechelle Combs was charged with Obstruction and released on a summons.
Officials say additional charges are pending further review of the information collected to date.