Police seek Sauk Co. mother and child

SAUK COUNTY - Sauk Prairie police are asking for the public’s help locating a missing three-year-old boy who may have been taken out of the United States.

Authorities believe Leonelly “Leo” Gabriel Barron is with his mother, 20-year-old Maria Jose Mendieta. She also goes by the names Maria Barron or Maria J. Rampa.

Mendieta was supposed return her son to his father Tuesday, February 26 but never did so.

• Click here to view the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Missing and Exploited Children and Adults poster

Investigators believe the pair may be headed to Mexico or Uruguay, which is in violation of a court ordered custody arrangement.

Leonelly is described as being approximately 2’7” tall and weighing approximately 35 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

Maria has a tattoo of Snoopy and Charlie Brown. She also has a tattoo of a star, which is located on her right hand.

Maria and Leonelly may be traveling with Alejandro Martinez, who lives in Mexico. Their vehicle is believed to be a navy blue, 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager with Wisconsin license plate 477-JJP.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sauk Prairie Police Department at (608) 643-2427.