GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) -- A day after the father of Jessica Heeringa's son was arrested on drug charges, the missing woman's sister is seeking temporary custody of the boy.
Samantha Heeringa says she is concerned about the welfare and safety of little Zevyn Heeringa, the son of Jessica Heeringa and Dakotah Quail-Dyer.
Quail-Dyer, 30, is charged with three counts of selling marijuana. A Kent County Probate Court judge in May granted him custody of Zevyn following a protracted legal battle with the Heeringa family.
Tensions escalated following the April, 26, 2013 disappearance of Jessica Heeringa, who was last seen working the night shift at the Exxon Mobil station on Sternberg Road in Norton Shores.
In her petition for temporary custody, Samantha Heeringa says the boy is staying with Quail-Dyer's father and step-mother, neither of whom have custodial or guardian rights over the child.
"Samantha is concerned for the safety and well-being of Zevyn in light of the recent events and Dakotah's family has been extremely vocal about their angst towards Samantha and Jessica Heeringa's family,'' attorney Jennifer L. Johnsen wrote in the petition.
"Pending Dakota's release from jail, it is in Zevyn's best interests to be in the temporary custody of Samantha, with whom he is very closely bonded,'' Johnsen wrote.
If the child remains with Quail-Dyer's family, "Irreparable injury, loss or damage will result. . . specifically Zevyn's physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing . . .'' Samantha Heeringa contends in the court filing.
Quail-Dyer on May 29th was granted permanent custody of the boy, but Heeringa's sister has visitation rights.
Samantha Heeringa, 27, says she can provide the boy a loving, stable environment while the criminal case against his father works its way through court.
Quail-Dyer is in the Muskegon County jail on a $60,000 bond. His next court hearing is July 2.
