GREENWICH, N.Y. -- She said she did not want to become the news story, but Tuesday Jaliek Rainwalker's grandmother Barbara Reeley was arrested and charged with burglary.
Police say on July 10th Reeley entered her daughter and son-in-law's former home on Ravens Way in East Greenwich through an unlocked door. A neighbor said she saw her and called police.
Reeley was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and was released on her own recognizance.
"I think the judge realizes she has never been arrested in her life. Even given the allegations, I don't think anyone here is assuming she had any malicious intent," attorney Greg Cholakis said.
Cholakis wouldn't say whether Reeley had been looking for anything in the home that would help her in the family court custody case. She and her husband Dennis Smith had been seeking custody of Jaliek, but a judge had dismissed the case.
Jaliek Rainwalker's grandmother, who has worked tirelessly to find her grandson over the past eight months, is now finding herself in some trouble with the law.
Cholakis also said there are no allegations that anything was taken from the house. He said the case is now in the hands of the Washington County District Attorney.
"Anyone who knows Barbara, and I'm assuming you all do, know that she's one of the more benevolent people walking on this planet so to find herself in this spot is not something she was looking for," Cholakis said.
Reeley did not discuss the case as she left the courthouse.
"I can't say anything. Thank you all for your support for Jaliek," said Reeley.
Cholakis said she has been strong, and will continue to be through this ordeal.
"She's actually been a very resilient and solid, stable person under what's been as bad a situation as you can be in. She's a strong person who's going through a tough time," he said.
She is scheduled to be back in court next month.