First of two child kidnappers tried in court

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A couple arrested for kidnapping a Terre Haute child in 2011 is receiving their sentencing in federal court Monday and Tuesday.

April Bell and Nicholas Runyon were arrested for kidnapping a 4-year-old from Terre Haute in July of 2011 .

Bell was sentenced Monday afternoon in federal court to 15 years in prison, for helping Runyon kidnap John Johnson Christian, 4, and fleeing to as far as Kentucky before being arrested.

Bell and Runyon originally lied to baby “Jon-Jon’s” mother, stating they were taking the boy to a birthday party, but never returned.

You may remember the couple crossed at least two state-lines while trying to evade Police.

After a three day search, Police were able to follow Bell’s ATM trail, and found the three of them at a hotel in Pikeville, Kentucky.

Samuel McGranahan, April Bell's father says his daughter claims she didn't know she was taking part in a kidnapping.

"Originally according to her, they were suppose to pick this little boy up and go to a park for a few days. And he decided to just keep on going," said McGranahan.

But according to local authorities, that wasn't the case a year ago.

Police found letters that Bell and Runyon left behind for their families to read saying they were taking baby Jon Jon and had no intention of returning but Bell's father says now his daughter claims she was a victim too.

"She even told us basically by word of mouth, nothing written that he threatened to kill her and that little boy and was giving her drugs. So we don't know what to believe," said McGranahan.

In court Monday afternoon, Bell stated she was sorry for her actions. As for Nicholas Runyon, he's set to be sentenced Tuesday morning in Federal Court.

• COUPLE ARRESTED FOR KIDNAPPING | Click here to view

News 10’s Brittany Earl spoke with Bell’s father before her hearing, and will bring you that latest during MyFOX10 at 5:00 p.m. EDT.