Couple Arrested; 2 Children Missing For Years

Posted by Wayne Harrison

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Two adoptive parents who previously lived in Colorado have been arrested in North Texas as authorities search for their two adoptive children who haven't been seen for years.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office said that Edward Eugene Bryant and Linda Kay Bryant have been extradited to Colorado and are being held in the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center under $1 million bonds.

Investigators said Edward Dylan Bryant hasn't been seen since 2001, when he would have been 9 years old.

Austin Eugene Bryant was last seen between 2003 and 2005, according to family members interviewed by investigators. He would have been 7 years old in 2003.

No missing persons reports were ever filed, the sheriff's office said Wednesday.

The Bryants lived in a home located in an apartment at 18060 Granite Circle in Monument, Colo., from 1999 to 2005, according to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and public records.

Austin would be 15 now and Edward would be 18.

"Investigators will be conducting follow-up interviews with neighbors and following other investigative leads to try to determine more details surrounding the disappearance of these children," Lt. Lari Sevene said in a press release.

Linda Bryant, 54, faces two counts of felony theft, conspiracy, 46 counts of attempting to influence a public servant, 46 counts of offering a false instrument for recording and 46 counts of forgery.

Edward Bryant, 58, faces two counts of felony theft, conspiracy, 19 counts of attempting to influence a public official, 19 counts of offering a false instrument for recording and 19 counts of forgery.

The two were arrested last week, according to court records.

Public records indicate Linda Bryant last lived in Gainesville, Texas and Edward Bryant last lived in Denton, Texas. The two towns are about 32 miles apart, via Interstate 35.

Anyone who may have information regarding Austin Bryant or Edward Bryant is asked to contact the El Paso County Sheriff's Office at 719-390-5555.