On February 12, 2025, law enforcement received a report of a missing child. A 14-year-old child, herein identified as juvenile boy, left his residence in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota around 4 P.M. But never returned. On January 25, 2024, a petition was filed for termination of the parental rights of REGINA DIANE BURTON [DOB REDACTED] to juvenile boy. On January 29, 2024, BURTON appeared in court on an Emergency Protective Care hearing at which time the juvenile boy was ordered into out of home placement and placed with his adult sister, S. W. In November of 2025, law enforcement began receiving information that BURTON was living in Florida.
Significant efforts were made to collaborate with Florida law enforcement to track down BURTON’S whereabouts as it was suspected the juvenile boy was with her. On December 7, 2025, a Pinellas County, Florida deputy conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle for speeding. The vehicle was driven by BURTON. The deputy was notified of the missing person alert associated with BURTON. A child [NAME REDACTED] in the vehicle. BURTON stated the child’s name was “Chandler” and he was one of her 11 children. The child was wearing a hat low over his eyes and avoided eye contact with the deputy.
A known photo was provided to the deputy of the missing child, and he positively identified the occupant as the juvenile boy. When the deputy attempted to speak to the child, BURTON became irate and yelled at the officer. The child [NAME REDACTED] from the vehicle and placed in the care of child protection to coordinate efforts to return the child [NAME REDACTED]. BURTON has an extensive child protection history dating back to 1991 to include the termination of her parent rights to seven of her children.
In the child [NAME REDACTED], it is reported that BURTON has a history of running from state to state when she suspects child [NAME REDACTED]. Given the nature of this offense and the unlikelihood she will willingly come to court, a WARRANT is requested.
