On March 16, 2006, Ryoko Uchiyama is believed to have left California
with her one-year-old daughter Melissa Hinako Braden. Uchiyama was involved
in a custody dispute with the child's father at the time. Uchiyama and
Braden are believed to be currently residing in Japan.
A warrant for child custody deprivation was issued for the arrest of
Uchiyama by the Superior Court of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles,
on March 27, 2006. A federal arrest warrant was issued on May 15, 2006,
by the United States District Court, Central District of California, after
Uchiyama was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Uchiyama has a scar on her lower abdomen. She enjoys antique shopping.