Charges dropped against Houston-area mom in 1985 abduction of daughters

Authorities have dismissed the case against Liana Waldberg, who went by the name Elaine Yates before fleeing Rhode Island for Texas with her daughters 30 years ago.

PROVIDENCE, RI -- An abduction charge has been dropped against a woman who disappeared from Rhode Island in 1985 with her two daughters.

The office of Attorney General Peter Kilmartin on Wednesday announced it dismissed the case against Liana Waldberg, who went by the name Elaine Yates before fleeing the state 30 years ago.

Police tracked down the 69-year-old mother and her two adult daughters in Houston last week.

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Two sisters who disappeared from Rhode Island with their mother in 1985 have been located in the Houston area, and their mother was charged with snatching them.

Her lawyer has said Waldberg was a victim of domestic violence and fled at a time when she had no legal protection and no other options. She said her client should never have been charged.

Kilmartin's office says it reviewed evidence that was not available prior to Waldberg being arrested. It says it dismissed the abduction charge in the interest of justice.

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