Deputy U.S. Marshals Honored for Recovery of Missing Hotchkiss Children | Western Colorado

“The four members of COVOTF earned this recognition for their diligent work in resolving a nearly nine-month investigation into the fate of fugitive Jacqueline Ballard and her two biological grandchildren, Demi and King Jones, whom she kidnapped and with whom she fled,” the statement said. “Their efforts included more than a dozen search warrants, numerous interviews, countless hours of surveillance, and an investigation spanning five different states.”

According to a separate release, the U.S. Marshal's Service first became aware of the case on July 1, 2023. On July 21, a felony arrest warrant was issued for Ballard by the Hotchkiss Police Department.

Eventually, according to the release, investigators found a lead that Ballard was about to return to Hotchkiss with the children.

The team set up surveillance on a residence in the Willow Heights neighborhood of Hotchkiss and was able to make contact with Danielle Ballard, Jacqueline's daughter and the children's aunt, the release states.

“Shortly thereafter, members of the Joint Law Enforcement Team entered the residence as the safety of the children was of the highest priority,” the statement said. “Ballard was located inside the home and taken into custody. The children were then located by law enforcement and immediately placed in the custody of child protective services officers who were also present.

The arrest operation involved 25 officers from nine law enforcement agencies, child protective services and emergency medical services personnel, according to the release.

Danielle Ballard was also arrested.

“I could not be more proud of the phenomenal work done by Deputy Bunn and our CBI TFOs, Tifft, Peck and Fuller. This award truly recognizes the work our team does and the importance of our relationships with our state and local partners,” said Colorado U.S. Marshal Kirk Taylor.