Editor’s note: Although the following press release was issued on April 5, 2024, no progress has been reported in locating the subject children. Their photos may be found here.

In September 2023, Walworth County Child Protective Services contacted the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office for assistance in locating Ava (age 6), Ezekiel (age 13), Justice (age 12), and Perpetua (age 15) Bushey, of Whitewater, WI. The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office has conducted an extensive investigation into their whereabouts. Early in the investigation, it was found that the family had suddenly left the state of Wisconsin and was believed to be in the southern part of the United States. Walworth County Child Protective Services has issued a civil warrant to check on the welfare of the children.

The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office has consulted with the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office for review. The Walworth County District Attorney’s Office has determined there are no criminal violations of the law at this time.

Both our agency and the Walworth County Child Protective Services have followed up on numerous leads and are working with outside law enforcement agencies in an attempt to locate the children. We reached out to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and are looking for the community’s help in locating these children and checking their welfare.

The primary concern for locating the children is to determine if they are receiving proper medical care related to their medical needs. Court orders are in place to allow Walworth County Child Protective Services to take custody of the children if located. There are no concerns for violence to the children and there are no concerns for harm to the public.

Anyone with information, please contact Walworth County Child Protective Services at 262-741-3200.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Reference #2001829