Marquez Fourth Grader Abducted

Tomas Betsis-Dunstan, a fourth grade student at Marquez Charter Elementary School, was abducted by a non-custodial parent, George Betsis, on the morning of April 3. ‘We did have a custody issue,’ Principal Phillip Hollis told the Palisadian-Post. ‘It is now in the hands of the LAPD.’ According to a police report, the child was dropped off at 8:50 a.m. and the father was seen taking him away from the school a few minutes later. Police speculate that the father was waiting for the boy to be dropped off and then grabbed him. Betsis, an Australian national, is in a custody battle with his ex-wife over guardianship of the child. He asked Australian courts to grant him guardianship, but was denied. A U.S. court ordered Betsis to return his son to the West Los Angeles police station. Betsis called the station and acknowledged the order, but told an officer he would not comply. ‘He fully understands the court order,’ said West Los Angeles Detective Francene Mounger. Police are now seeking the public’s help in locating the 10-year-old boy and his 49-year-old father. Tomas is white, weighs 110 pounds, has a medium build and has dark hair, police said.   His father is described as 5’8′ tall, 200 pounds, with brown hair and eyes, a medium build and dark complexion. Betsis is believed to be driving a 2009 gray Kia Sorrento with the California license plate 6ELL191. ‘We’re eager to follow up on any information anyone might have,’ Mounger said. ‘We believe he’s still in Southern California.’ Mounger acknowledged that Betsis is considered a flight risk. ‘We’ve taken precautions so that he won’t leave the country, and Australian officials have been notified,’ she said. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Betsis or Tomas is asked to call Mounger at (310) 444-1533. After-hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to the West Los Angeles watch commander at (310) 444-0701 or to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-527-3247. Callers may also text ‘Crimes’ with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with ‘LAPD.’ Tipsters may remain anonymous.