MANTI — A man accused of kidnapping his own children — who later became the focus of a statewide Amber Alert — may face new charges.

Polite, soft-spoken and clean shaven, John Coltharp, 33, appeared before the judge Wednesday on kidnapping charges. Coltharp is accused of kidnapping his four children — two boys, ages 7 and 6; and two girls, ages 8 and 4.

Coltharp was arrested five days before the children were found in primitive living conditions in a remote area west of Cedar City.

Kevin Daniels, a prosecutor with the Sanpete County Attorney’s Office, told KSL Wednesday that he’s been assured the children are safe and in the custody of the Division of Child and Family Services.

Now, prosecutors are working to make sure Coltharp is held responsible for endangering his children.

“Due to their exposure to the elements … Some of the facts indicated they were placed in cold temperatures with individuals that were not responsible,” Daniels said referencing Samuel Shaffer, leader of a doomsday sect called Knights of the Crystal Blade.

Schaffer, 34, is accused of leaving the two girls in 50-gallon water barrels in below freezing temperatures — where authorities found the girls after the Amber Alert was issued.

Schaffer is charged with two counts of child kidnapping, a first-degree felony, and four counts of intentional child abuse causing injury, a second-degree felony.

Since Coltharp and Schaffer were charged, new information has surfaced that could mean additional criminal charges against them, prosecutors said.

“The big thing for our office was the safety of the children,” Daniels said. “The children were returned safely. That was our No. 1 goal, that was the goal of law enforcement, so we have accomplished that goal. Now, we are going to hold people accountable for their actions, and so we will determine which charges are most appropriate to hold these individuals accountable.”

Related:

Purported doomsday sect leader charged with child kidnapping

The alleged leader of an Iron County doomsday sect accused of leaving two young girls in 50-gallon barrels for 24 hours was formally charged Wednesday with child kidnapping.

Prosecutors acknowledged, beyond the living conditions where the children were found, that the beliefs they were living under are also concerning.

While Coltharp and Shaffer are said to have been participating in a doomsday-style religion, prosecutors said in court it’s unlikely their beliefs will offer them any defense.

“We will see to what degree they use that as a defense or as a shield," Daniels said. "But as far as our office is concerned we’ll look at the facts of the case and whether or not laws were violated which at this time we believe there were many laws violated.”

Prosecutors believe it’s unlikely Coltharp will be able to post bail and will remain in custody until then.

Coltharp is scheduled back in court on Jan. 3 when new charges are expected to be filed.

Contributing: Yvette Cruz

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