09/11/2025
Child Welfare Investigation Leads to Arrest Warrant in Akwesasne
AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police have issued a wanted poster for Autumn C. Mitchell, 30, who is facing 31 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The public notice, released on 9/11/25, describes Mitchell as 5’4” tall, with brown hair and brown eyes. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police at 518-358-9200. Police emphasized that individuals should not attempt to take action on their own, and tips should not be posted on social media.
Connection to Ongoing Investigation
This announcement comes as a follow-up to the ongoing investigation into allegations of abuse at the Tribe’s Early Learning Center’s Head Start Program. As reported by FNM in July, parents raised concerns about suspected mistreatment, which prompted a community meeting with Tribal leadership, the Education Department, and the Tribal Police.
Legal Context
In the United States, Endangering the Welfare of a Child is a charge that can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on circumstances:
• Misdemeanor charges can carry fines, probation, or up to one year in jail per count.
• Felony-level charges may result in longer prison sentences, in some jurisdictions up to seven years per count.
• Courts determine whether sentences run concurrently (together) or consecutively (back-to-back), which can greatly affect the outcome.
Authorities have not released additional details about the specific allegations leading to the 31 counts filed against Mitchell.
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police reiterated that child safety remains a top priority and encouraged community members to bring forward any information directly to law enforcement.
—FNTV Staff