(NewsNation) — The mother of an autistic 11-year-old Brooklyn boy who has been missing for months invoked her Fifth Amendment right in Brooklyn Family Court, according to the Daily News.
Judge Dawn Orsatti pressed Jacqueline Pritchett for information that could help police find the child, Jacob Pritchett, who authorities believe has been missing since late September, the outlet reported.
When the mother’s attorney, Daniela Mancini, responded on her client’s behalf, Orsatti responded: “Your client has a voice. It’s improper for you to say she can’t speak on her behalf,” the Daily News reported.
Jacqueline Pritchett has reportedly denied in police interviews that her son exists, according to the New York Post, citing law enforcement sources. She has been held at Rikers Island since early October on a civil contempt warrant.
What happened to Jacob Pritchett?
The case surfaced after the New York Police Department conducted a wellness check at the family’s Brownsville apartment on Sept. 26, requested by the Administration for Children’s Services.
Officers said Jacob Pritchett was not there when they arrived.
His mother was found inside the unkempt home and taken to a hospital for evaluation, according to sources. The apartment was later sealed as a crime scene while authorities investigated.
Officials said he is non-verbal and unable to provide identifying information.
Police release computer-generated images
In October, the NYPD and New York State Police searched an upstate landfill near Rochester in connection with the boy’s disappearance, but did not find any remains, sources said.
Anything disposed of in Brooklyn could make its way to the High Acres Landfill in Perinton, N.Y., according to NewsNation affiliate WROC.
Since then, computer-generated images showing what Jacob is believed to look like now have been created as the search continues.
New York officials are urging the public to come forward with any information. Anyone with tips is asked to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or visit crimestoppers.nypdonline.org.
NewsNation affiliate WPIX contributed to this report.