Kidnapping suspect faces a judge

BRADENTON - Wearing pink handcuffs, the woman suspected of kidnapping a Plant City baby made her first appearance in front of a Manatee County judge Wednesday morning.

Investigators say Amalia Tabata Pereira took 2-month-old Sandra Cruz-Francisco from her mother at the Plant City Health Department Monday.

The baby's mother, Rosa Sirilo Francisco, said the woman told her she was an immigration official, put the infant in her car, and said she was going to Miami.

An Amber Alert was issued Tuesday morning, and several hours later investigators said they received a 911 call leading them to Periera and the baby. Sandra was okay and reunited with her parents a short time later.

Pereira was arrested on charges of false imprisonment and impersonating a federal officer. She was being held in the Manatee County jail on $750,000 bond.

Detectives transported Pereira to the Hillsborough County jail.

Arrest records show she served 33 months in prison, and was previously arrested in Hillsborough County on charges of arson, forgery, burglary, and filing a false report.

Pereira is married to Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jose Tabata. Tabata, 20, is a native of Venezuela, and is currently at the Pirates minor league camp in Bradenton.

"I was shocked to be told today that my wife has been arrested for kidnapping," Tabata said in a statement. "I am hurt, frustrated and confused by her actions. I have and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement officials in any way that I can. Until I have all of the facts, I cannot comment any further."

The woman accused of impersonating an immigration official and taking a Plant City infant, may have more trouble on the way.

Amalia Tabata Pereira was arrested Tuesday after she showed up at the Mantaee County Sheriff's Office with the child.

She went before a judge on Wednesday, charged with interference with child custody, false imprisonment, and impersonating a public official.

Along with local and state agencies, Pereira is now under investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE.

Sgt. David Millich is the lead investigator for the Plant City Police Department. He says ICE may lodge additional charges against Pereira. The Plant City Police Department is the agency in charge of statements to the media.

Millich also says the infant's parents, who are undocumented workers, may be in the clear.

"My impression is that they're going to be given some time to work out their documentation. I don't believe they're being targeted, as far as that goes," Millich said.

In other news, there may be a surveillance video of Pereira, the infant, and her mom, driving in Pereira's car. Millich says the video comes from a local Plant City business.

He says investigators haven't had a chance to review the video. After they do, possibly next week, the department will decide whether or not to release it.