OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – An Oklahoma-licensed attorney has been arrested for allegedly trying to kidnap a child that wasn’t hers.
“In this particular case, the fact that a licensed attorney tried to do that is very concerning because we have to assume that the attorney has clients of her own for whom she is responsible,” said Ed Blau, legal expert.
According to court documents, on July 23, Tracy Zahl walked into the Westminster Presbyterian Church Child Care Center through an unsecured door.
Investigators say she walked downstairs to the classroom area and tried to lure a 2-year-old out of the door by telling the child, “Come with me.”
A teacher noticed what was going on and immediately grabbed the child, questioned Zahl, and told her to leave the area.
Investigators say she then found another group of children and followed them to their classroom, before being told to leave the property.
Zahl told staff that she was “sent by God to be with the children” and then left.
Oklahoma City Police later found Zahl at her home, which was less than a mile from the daycare, and she was taken into custody.
Officers report that Zahl immediately admitted to making a mistake. They also noted that she neither has a child nor a grandchild attending the daycare and had no valid reason to be at the facility.
“Anytime this happens to a licensed attorney, the immediate question is whether there are mental health issues, or possibly drug or alcohol problems,” stated Blau.
News 4 uncovered documents from Zahls’ troubling past.
In 2011, the Oklahoma Bar Association suspended her for one year after she self-reported that she was arrested for felony prescription forgery.
Then in 2021, she was charged with two misdemeanors after threatening to kill her former employer and coworker.
A former co-worker commented over the phone, “I have faith in the court and the bar association to address her alleged behavior appropriately and ensure public safety.”
News 4 also reached out to the Oklahoma Bar Association.
When an Oklahoma licensed attorney faces criminal charges, it is concerning, and the Oklahoma Bar Association closely monitors such situations. According to Oklahoma Supreme Court rules, the OBA is unable to comment on or provide details about ongoing disciplinary investigations.
Oklahoma Bar Association
Zahl is currently in the Oklahoma County Jail and is being held on a $25,000 bond.
We also reached out to the daycare for a comment, but haven’t heard back.
News 4 also requested the body cam footage of Zahl’s arrest.
