Rep. Miller's Grandchildren Found in Mexico

Three grandchildren of Rep. Gary Miller (R-Diamond Bar) who were missing for nearly four years were taken into protective custody Thursday after their mother's arrest Wednesday in Mexicali.

Jennifer Lopez Dejongh, 34, is believed to have absconded in November of 2007 with the three children she had with the congressman's son Brian. At the time, the couple had shared custody of the three boys — twins at the age of 10 and a 12-year-old.

At that time, deputies from the Walnut Sheriff's station responded to the 22000 block of Cello Drive in Diamond Bar to investigate the reported abduction.

Dejongh's arrest Wednesday by Tijuana law enforcement and the FBI leaves her facing charges of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, according to the FBI.

According to an FBI report, the authorities expect that the federal charges against Dejongh will be dropped after being turned over to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and that she will be prosecuted by the L.A. County district attorney's office.

On Thursday, Rep. Miller held a press conference in Mission Viejo to thank all of the agencies and investigators involved in the arrest of DeJongh and return of his grandchildren.

"My wife and I are extremely relieved that after more than three and a half years our grandchildren have been found unharmed and returned safely to the United States," Miller said.

Rep. Miller thanked the FBI, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the Mexican authorities for their work.

"I would also like to express my deep appreciation for all of my colleagues, friends and constituents who have given my family their support and their prayers during this extremely difficult time," Miller said.

Miller represents the 42nd Congressional district, which includes Diamond Bar, Brea, Chino, and Chino Hills.

The children are expected to be returned to the family shortly, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Capt. Mike Parker.