Woman arrested in Illinois kidnapping

ANNA, Ill. -- An Anna-area woman has been arrested in connection with a kidnapping investigation.

Karen S. Nichols, 44, was arrested by Union County Sheriff's deputies Friday at her home near Anna, according to a news release from Union County State's Attorney Tyler R. Edmonds. The minor child was taken into protective custory at the time of Nichols' arrest and was reunited with his mother, the release said.

The child's mother reported the kidnapping of her newborn Friday from rural Union County, the release said.

Nichols, also known as Karen S. Casper, was being held on one count of felony aggravated kidnapping and one count of felony armed robbery, according to the release. She was being held at the Jackson County Jail in Murphysboro, Ill., on $500,000 bond. Formal charges are expected to be filed Monday, the news release said.

Pertinent address:

Anna, Ill.