Skelton says 'organization' has 3 boys

ADRIAN, Mich. (AP) - The father of three missing Michigan brothers said Thursday that he gave his sons to someone from an "organization" who visited his home on Thanksgiving.

John Skelton refused to identify the group.

It was the first time that Skelton had publicly discussed his sons since his arrest Nov. 30 on parental kidnapping charges. The hearing in Lenawee County court was related to custody of the children, not his criminal case.

Nine-year-old Andrew, 7-year-old Alexander and 5-year-old Tanner have not been seen since Thanksgiving when they were at their father's home in Morenci, a small town on the Michigan-Ohio border. Police and volunteers have searched on both sides of the state line.

Skelton, 39, told Judge Margaret Noe that he gave the kids to a "person in a van," The Daily Telegram reported on its website.

"I know the organization, but I didn't know the person," Skelton said.

"What organization?" Noe asked.

"I would rather not say at this time," Skelton replied, according to the newspaper.

Tanya and John Skelton are divorcing. She had custody of the boys but had agreed to let them visit with their father.

Tanya Skelton, 45, was in court wearing a shirt with the boys' photos and the message, "Prayers for a safe return home."

John Skelton pointed to his finger and asked his estranged wife, "Why aren't you wearing your ring, hon?" She did not respond.

John Skelton is being held in the county jail on $30 million bond.

Morenci Police Chief Larry Weeks said he's heard similar references to what John Skelton said in court.

"I'm skeptical of what he's saying," Weeks told the Telegram. "We're not expecting a positive outcome."

In a written statement, Weeks said police have followed up on 900 tips, including some suspected sightings, but "we have been unable to confirm that any of them are the Skelton boys."

He said the community is trying to raise more money for a reward fund.