Dad of missing adopted boys reaches plea deal

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A man accused receiving government support for his two adopted sons for years after they disappeared from his home has pleaded guilty to five counts.

Edward Bryant and his wife moved from Colorado to North Texas in 2005 after two young brothers they had adopted disappeared.

Edward Bryant pleaded guilty Thursday in Colorado Springs to influencing a public servant, two counts of theft and two counts of conspiracy to commit theft. A plea agreement stipulates a 30-year prison sentence.

Bryant's estranged wife, Linda, already was sentenced to 42 years in prison after pleading guilty in January to four counts of theft, two counts of conspiracy and 48 counts of attempting to influence a public servant.

Authorities believe their adopted sons Austin and Edward Bryant Jr. disappeared at least seven years ago, but the couple continued receiving support for them. They were arrested in Texas last year.

The boys' whereabouts remain unknown.