Shannon Tufuga, Utah Mom, Accused of Kidnapping Son’s 11-Year-Old Bully, Authorities Say

A Utah mother is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly kidnapping her autistic son’s 11-year-old bully and forcing him to apologize, according to authorities.

Shannon Tufuga, 40, was charged Monday in connection with the incident, which reportedly took place in early September in Provo, Utah. Charging documents obtained by KSL.com outline the allegations against her.

Alleged Confrontation and Abduction

According to investigators, Tufuga had been “driving around looking” for the boy before she found him riding his bike in his neighborhood.

Authorities allege that she confronted the child and forced him into her vehicle without the knowledge or consent of his parents.

She then drove him to her home, where she allegedly kept him until he apologized to her son.

Threats Reported After Apology

Although the boy apologized, investigators say the situation escalated further.

According to the charging documents, Tufuga allegedly threatened to have her husband physically harm the child and warned him that he was “lucky” she did not run over his bicycle.

She later returned the boy to his home.

Emotional Impact on Child

Authorities say the incident had a lasting impact on the child.

According to court documents, the boy experienced “serious emotional distress” in the months following the incident. He reportedly developed high anxiety and has had to significantly change his daily routines.

Charges and Legal Developments

Tufuga has been charged with child kidnapping and aggravated child abuse. Both charges are classified as second-degree felonies.

Prosecutors initially considered more severe first-degree felony charges, but the Utah County Attorney’s Office later determined that reducing the charges was “in the interests of justice,” according to reports.

Additional Context

According to a post on Tufuga’s Facebook page, her son is on the autism spectrum. Authorities have not released additional details about the alleged bullying incidents.

The case remains under investigation.