Second child kidnapper tried in court

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A man accused of kidnapping a Terre Haute child was sentenced to 20 years in prison Tuesday afternoon.

On July 26th, 2011 Nicholas Runyon, 25, and April Bell, 29, kidnapped 4-year-old John Johnson Christian.

A little over a year later Runyon and Bell were sentenced to prison for the kidnapping.

Runyon’s mother who asked News 10 not to release her name says her son told police that the boy's mother was abusive and felt the only way to protect him, was by taking him.

"He told me they were heading to Indianapolis to a child protection agency but April just kept driving,” said Runyon’s mother.

The couple drove across several state lines trying to evade police but investigators were able to track Bell’s ATM trail, which ultimately led to their arrests.

Runyon’s mother says, "He knows how he did it was wrong but he doesn't regret getting John away from Jessica. Because of him and April's actions child protection was watching her more carefully."

The child's biological father told News 10 Tuesday that since the kidnapping, child services has removed the boy from the mother's custody.

Runyon's mother says her son knows he shouldn’t have taken the boy but feels his actions saved the boy.

"He feel happy that John is safe because he is away from his mom. He knows he did go about it the wrong way,” said Runyon’s mother.

Upon Runyon's release from prison he will face 10 years of supervision and is banned from ever contacting the child.

Runyon's accomplice, April Bell heard her charges Monday.

A judge sentenced April Bell to 15 years in prison due to her role in the child's kidnapping.

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A man accused of kidnapping a Terre Haute child was tried in federal court Tuesday afternoon.

Terre Haute couple Nicholas Runyon, 25, and April Bell, 29, kidnapped John Jonhnson Christian, 4, in April 2011, telling the mother that they were taking “Jon-Jon” to a birthday party.

• 4-YEAR-OLD KIDNAPPED | Click here to read

The pair then took off for the southern Indiana state line, crossing over into Kentucky.

Police were able to track Bell’s ATM trail, which ultimately led to their arrests.

• COUPLE ARRESTED FOR KIDNAPPING | Click here to view

Runyon was sentenced Tuesday afternoon to 20 years in prison with 10 years of supervision to follow.

Bell was charged Monday afternoon, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

News 10’s Brittany Earl interviewed Runyon’s mother about the situation and the sentencing. She will have that interview on MyFOX10 at 5:00 p.m. EDT and News 10 at 6:00 p.m.