Oklahoma woman fights for children through legal maze
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — "It’s a long intricate story, it’s a very complex story," said Rosario Chico.
A story with a bottom line that Rosario is without her three children. The complex part is how that happened and the role of the legal system.
"I am a victim of domestic violence. My children have also experienced violence," she said.
As a result of that violence, Rosario ended up filing for a protective order. But not long afterward...
"I was arrested at a domestic violence shelter in Arkansas, and I was there with my children," she said.
Turns out, even though she had her protective order, she says her husband's family filed for guardianship.
"Later, I come to find out that his paternal grandmother applied for a guardianship and that the guardianship ended up being granted," she said.
Rosario says she was never notified about that but, since it was granted, she's wound up facing charges for kidnapping her own children.
"Whenever I speak to attorneys and advise attorneys, they're like, this is impossible, this can’t be happening," she said.
This week, she was supposed to have a hearing in her case, but it's been pushed back to later this month.
"If anything, this guardianship is a violation of the protective order cloaked in a guardianship," she said.
"We’re here to stand for justice," said Emily Dawn Escolas.
Lending support for Rosario, friends with a banner drawing attention to her plight.
"I had a heartfelt for her and her child as being a domestic violence victim myself," said Linnea Wells.
Rosario hasn't had custody of her children since January and is hoping the spotlight will expedite a resolution.
"I heard from so many attorneys say your case has to go to the media, there’s nothing that’s going to stop this unless its exposed. And I heard that repeatedly from attorneys," she said.
