Date of Birth: June 6, 2024
Missing Since: February 14, 2025
Missing From: Woodside, California, USA
Abducted By: Elizabeth Vila Honkanen (Mother, Non-Custodial Parent, warrant out for arrest)
Suspected Location: Philippines (Possibly Manila or surrounding areas ).
A protective order (restraining order) bars Elizabeth Honkanen from any contact with Charlotte or me until March 11, 2030, based on her documented history of abusive behavior.
DoJ missing persons page A Father's Plea:
My daughter, Charlotte, was abducted from our home in California by her mother, Elizabeth Vila Honkanen, a non-custodial parent with an extensively documented history of manipulation, deception, abuse, and criminal behavior. This is an ongoing criminal case—not a custody dispute. I am Charlotte's sole legal and physical custodian as determined by the Superior Court of California, San Mateo County. Elizabeth explicitly signed agreements multiple times to abide by this court’s jurisdiction and rulings, yet chose deceitful legal actions, which ultimately failed.
Charlotte was born in California and lived exclusively there until her abduction. Before abducting Charlotte, Elizabeth abandoned her with me for five weeks, explicitly stating she did not want her, and then demanded more money than make ($25,000k a month) in exchange for allowing me to keep Charlotte. When Elizabeth returned, I insisted on stability and safeguards for Charlotte’s well-being and was forced to file an emergency custody order—not initially to remove Elizabeth’s parental rights, but to ensure stability, and establish necessary safeguards amidst an increasingly erratic and unpredictable situation marked by escalating hostility and concerning behavior from Elizabeth. Throughout this process, I attempted to establish a workable parenting plan, amicably separate from Elizabeth, and secure necessary help for her. In retaliation, Elizabeth almost immediately initiated false accusations against me, which were investigated thoroughly and resulted in no charges. Ultimately, Elizabeth’s continued escalation forced the court to grant me sole custody to protect Charlotte’s welfare.
Facing imminent exposure through a court-ordered forensic psychological evaluation, which she strenuously opposed in court, Elizabeth violated a restraining order restricting Charlotte to the Bay Area and abducted her. On February 11, 2025, she forcibly removed my household safe—a safe to which she had no authorized access—broke into it, stole critical documents including Charlotte’s U.S. passport, birth certificate, over $10,000 in cash, and family valuables. Elizabeth then fled California, driving into Mexico before taking a chartered flight to Beijing, deliberately evading authorities and ultimately entering the Philippines.
Elizabeth was initially arrested by Philippine authorities but secured her release by falsely portraying herself as a victim fleeing abuse, claiming to be Filipino and "returning home." This is a blatant manipulation of Philippine law, similar to tactics she previously attempted with her older child. Elizabeth grew up in the United States, spent most of her adulthood in Finland and the UAE, and then lived six years in the UK prior to moving to California. Her recent claims of Filipino nationality and residency are entirely fabricated to exploit jurisdictional loopholes. Charlotte remains trapped in an ongoing harmful environment, partially due to delays and coordination challenges between U.S. and Philippine authorities
Elizabeth Honkanen’s Dangerous Pattern of Escalation:
Elizabeth has consistently demonstrated an alarming willingness and ability to escalate conflicts without limits. She previously abducted her older son internationally to evade UK courts and systematically alienated his father through calculated legal manipulations. Elizabeth admitted to police that she harassed her former partner, using multiple fake social media accounts to publicly defame him, doxed his financial information, sent threats from numerous burner phones to his family, tracked his movements, and actively sought to destroy his professional reputation. Her actions clearly indicate an absence of empathy and a dangerously self-serving personality. Elizabeth is extremely convincing; I initially fell for her narrative, mistakenly believing her former partner was dangerous, and even assisted her with relocating internationally. Since finding him through a private investigator after Elizabeth’s actions escalated against me, I now clearly recognize her former partner and son as victims of Elizabeth’s deception and manipulation. Charlotte’s ongoing exposure to this behavior presents an immediate and profound risk.
While Elizabeth herself may be a childhood trauma survivor, this devastating cycle of trauma must end with Charlotte. My amazing little girl (like every child) deserves safety, stability, and love—free from the chaos and harm Elizabeth creates.
My Commitment:
Inspired by my own mother’s extraordinary example, I am determined to provide Charlotte with the secure, nurturing environment every child deserves. My mother taught me that caring for your child is life’s highest responsibility—you build your life around supporting your kid... no matter what, It’s that simple. Mahal na mahal ko ang anak ko nang buong puso. Tulungan niyo po akong maprotektahan siya.
The Bureaucratic Challenge - A Complex Situation:
Charlotte has been in the Philippines for months with a person restrained from contact (for good reason) while I navigate an incredibly complex jurisdictional situation that no single agency seems equipped to handle.
I've filed everything requested with the PNP, reached out to the NBI, contacted the FBI, engaged the State Department, office of children's issues and followed every recommendation given to me. Each agency has been professional, but the complexity of an international abduction to a non-Hague country means everyone points to someone else who they believe might be better positioned to help until I end up back where I started.
The Reality:
- This falls between jurisdictions in ways that make it nobody's clear responsibility
- U.S. and Philippine agencies each need something from the other before they can act and I am failing as the middle man.
- Valid custody orders and arrest warrants exist but enforcement remains unclear
- Charlotte remains at risk while nobody is there but me to try to work through these complexities
The Clock Is Ticking:
Elizabeth has fled internationally before. She possesses multiple passports and has shown she will run when cornered. Every day we wait is another day she could disappear with Charlotte to Dubai, Qatar, or another jurisdiction where recovery becomes impossible. This isn't speculation - it's her established pattern.
I NEED HELP
I'm breaking. Every day is a grind, and I feel like I'm failing my child with each day that passes. Charlotte needs me to be strong and effective in bringing her home, but this situation is bigger than what one person can navigate alone.
The longer this takes, the more risk she faces - both from potential further flight and from continued exposure to someone dangerous.
I'm asking for:
- Someone who understands these complex international situations
- Help coordinating between U.S. and Philippine agencies
- Anyone who can provide expertise or connections
- Support in making Charlotte's case a priority
Every day matters. Charlotte can't wait for bureaucratic solutions. She needs people who can help cut through the complexity and bring her home.
If you have experience with international child recovery, government connections, or any way to help - please reach out. Charlotte needs more voices fighting for her return.
Legal Status (U.S.):
- Sole Custody: Scott Moran (San Mateo County, California)
- Restraining Order Protecting Charlotte from Elizabeth: No contact until March 11, 2030
- Active Felony Warrant: Elizabeth Vila Honkanen for child abduction (PC §278.5) and contempt of court (PC §166(a)(4))
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please if you have any way to help, reach out or share with someone who can.
-Scott Moran
Direct Contact (Scott Moran - Father):
- U.S. Phone: (+1) 484-723-9457
- Philippines Phone: (+63) 952-479-4000
- Email: jsbmoran@gmail.com
For detailed legal documentation, evidence, or official inquiries, please contact Scott Moran directly for secure access.