Two women are facing multiple felony charges following the alleged abduction of two minor children that prompted an Amber Alert in Tulare County earlier this week, the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement Thursday.

Makenzie Morrelli, 29, and Kayla Williams, 28, have been charged with two counts of kidnapping, one count of first-degree burglary, and two counts of child stealing.

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Authorities allege that Morrelli, the children’s biological mother whose custody rights were terminated, entered the Earlimart home of their legal guardian just after midnight on Monday and took the children with Williams’ assistance.

The Amber Alert was issued two hours later, and Morrelli surrendered to law enforcement with the children around 4 a.m., officials said.

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Morrelli pleaded not guilty at her arraignment and is being held on $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing confirmation is set for Dec. 31.

Williams, who was released after posting $50,000 bail, is due for arraignment on Jan. 9, 2025.

If convicted, the women face lengthy prison terms due to the charges and special allegations involving prior convictions, officials said.

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Prosecutors are also seeking additional information about two male suspects also believed to be involved in the incident.

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