2 girls allegedly kidnapped from Colorado found with religious group leader

Two girls allegedly kidnapped from Colorado have been found with a man who is believed to be the leader of a religious group in Utah.

Dinah, 8, and Haddie, 4, were allegedly taken by their father, John Coltharp, to Utah back in September along with their two brothers.

Coltharp was arrested on Friday for kidnapping the children after authorities raided what is believed to be a religious compound. The two boys, ages 6 and 7, were found on Monday afternoon.

The girls’ mother, Micha Coltharp, claims her ex-husband joined Samuel Warren Shaffer, 34 in a religious sect called the “Knights of the Crystal Blade.”

An Amber Alert was issued for the two girls. Fortunately, they were found some time Monday night after a friend of their fathers was found and arrested. The Spring City Police Department confirmed to media outlets that Shaffer had been arrested and was being held by the Iron County Sheriff’s Office. No word on whether he will be charged.

Dinah and Haddie’s father is being held on a bond of $100,000.