A Colorado woman says her rights were violated after her 11-year-old stepson disappeared on Monday.

Tecia Stauch stood with her back to the camera while speaking with CBS 11 on Friday afternoon, in connection with her missing stepson, Gannon Stauch. She was insistent that she would never harm the child, who vanished while under her care.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Gannon was allegedly last seen Monday afternoon, at around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m., at his home off of Mandan Drive in the Lorson Ranch neighborhood, near Colorado Springs. His stepmother told police he left for a friend’s house and never returned home.

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Gannon’s father, Al Stauch, said that it was not like his son to walk off. Gannon does not have a history of running away. Al Stauch was reportedly out of town working when his son disappeared.

Tecia Stauch explained that on Sunday, she took Gannon and his younger sister hiking at the Garden of the Gods Park. Afterward, they stopped by to eat at Burger King, she said. Gannon reportedly did not attend school the following day.

Reportedly, Tecia did not know which friend’s house the boy went to on Monday, according to Al Stauch, who said his wife told him that Gannon didn’t specify which friend he wanted to visit, NBC 5 reports. The stepmother said she couldn’t comment on the details of the case at this time.

Tecia Stauch also hasn’t been seen much in the community since Gannon disappeared. She explained that not only has she received death threats online, but she’s no longer staying in her home after Gannon’s biological mother arrived from South Carolina to help with the search.

“My husband’s ex-wife is living in our home,” the woman complained. “I took care of Gannon for the last two years in our home because his mother didn’t want to do it…OK, and I would never, ever hurt this child.”

Gannon’s mother, Landon, spoke through tears at a Thursday press conference in Colorado, pleading for her son’s safe return. Landon said the boy was born prematurely with a small chance of survival. Despite the odds, Gannon pulled through and is now a gifted student, according to his mother.

“My son is a very loving kid, he wouldn’t harm anybody,” Landon said. ”Why is this happening to him?”

“My kid has a purpose and my kid has a life…Gannon, bubba, little man, mommy’s hero, wherever you are at, we’re here for you. We’re begging for you to come home, I can’t wait until you’re found.”

Tecia Stauch, who declined to speak at the press conference, said she has been dealing interviews by detectives, and alleged that the El Paso County Police Department denied her the opportunity to get an attorney and used trick tactics while questioning her.

“I was denied, I was told I couldn’t get nothing to drink, I couldn’t go to the bathroom. I mean it was continually that my constitutional rights were violated,” she explained.

CrimeOnline reached out to the El Paso police for clarification, but they were not immediately available for a response.

The stepmother said her focus remains on bringing Gannon home. She said she felt he would return home safe and hopes for “an apology” after he’s found.

Major Crimes detectives with the El Paso SO have taken over the case, according to FOX 12, with the assistance of the FBI. Al Gauch, who is a member of the National Guard, is also helping with the search.

“This case was referred to Major Crimes for their ability to gather information and use great focus with their investigative training,” the sheriff’s office stated.

“Any information may prove valuable in solving the case and could consist of things as simple as anyone remembering suspicious vehicles or people they saw in or around the area on the date of this incident.”

Gannon is described as a white male who stands 4-feet-9-inches tall and weighs around 90 pounds. He has brown eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a blue hooded jacket, jeans, and athletic shoes.

Anyone with any information on Gannon’s whereabouts is urged to contact the El Paso SO’s “Investigations Tip Line” at 719-520-6666. or the El Paso County SO 719-390-5555.

“He’s just kind and tenderhearted…just hoping he’s all right out there you know? Hoping we can find him soon,” Al Stauch said.

 

The story is developing. Check back for updates.

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[Feature Photo: Gannon Stauch/El Paso County Sheriff’s Office]