Father takes 5-year-old son 'away' to avoid scheduled surgery, family missing for days.

A 5-year-old boy from Utah is believed to have been taken by his father, who does not have custody, following a visitation on December 2, prompting police to issue an endangered missing advisory.

On the evening of December 2, Benjamin Despain, 45, picked up his son James from his mothers home in Bountiful for a routine visitation. When James mother returned three hours later, neither Benjamin nor James were at the residence.

James mother, who holds full legal and physical custody, told local news outlets that Benjamin has a history of mental health challenges and domestic violence. She stated that Benjamin sent her an email indicating he had taken James away to prevent him from undergoing a scheduled surgery. James was set to have his adenoids removed on December 4.

Natalie, the boys mother, explained that Benjamin is opposed to medical procedures and believes the surgery is unnecessary. She also suggested that Benjamin might be traveling out of state, potentially to teach James about Latter-day Saint church history, as he had previously mentioned such plans. Authorities are exploring possible locations, including Montana and Idaho, where Benjamin has family.

Bountiful Police Lieutenant Andrew Smith confirmed that officials have not yet determined whether Benjamin has crossed state lines. While the mother is concerned about Benjamins mental state, police report there is currently no evidence that James is in immediate danger.

The day after they disappeared, an ex-parte protective order was issued against Benjamin, but authorities have been unable to serve it due to his unknown location.

James is described as 3 feet 11 inches tall, weighing approximately 47 pounds, with blonde hair. He was last seen wearing a grey astronaut-themed shirt and green pants. Benjamin Despain is 6 feet tall, 185 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. They are believed to be traveling in a red 2006 Toyota Tacoma with Utah license plate 255PCJ, towing a white trailer with license plate 017531Z.

Anyone with information about their whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Williams at the Bountiful Police Department at (801) 631-9357, referencing case number B25-21141.

Author: Ava Mitchell