Sequoyah County judge recuses himself from custody case

Thursday, September 29th 2005, 6:53 am

By: News On 6

SALLISAW, Okla. (AP) -- A judge removes himself from a custody case involving a Sequoyah County woman who has spent ten months in jail because she won't reveal the location of her daughter.

Associate District Judge AJ Henshaw granted Misty Van-Zandt's motion Wednesday, even though he's rejected her request in the past.

The 27-year-old Van-Zandt has been in the Sallisaw jail since November on a contempt charge. She has refused to produce her daughter, Sabrea Van-Zandt, who reportedly has been hidden more for than two years.

Misty Van-Zandt has alleged that her ex-husband, Tregg Van-Zandt, or another relative sexually abused Sabrea. Her ex-husband has denied any wrongdoing.

Van-Zandt's mother, Robin Ruth, says her daughter won't reveal the child's whereabouts until she gets a change of venue.