JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The woman accused of kidnapping an hours-old infant from a Jacksonville hospital in 1998 was denied bail Wednesday.
It's the first time Gloria Williams, 51, came face to face with a judge in Duval County after arriving on Tuesday.
Alexis Manigo, who was born Kamiyah Mobley, is coming to Williams’ defense during interviews with national networks. Manigo got her last name from Charles Manigo, who she believed was her father.
Manigo, now 18, still calls her alleged abductor "mom" and said she gave her a good life.
“My feelings toward my mother will never change,” Manigo said.
“I don’t have anything bad to say about those years. I love all the memories. Now I’m thinking of other memories we did have. That’s what keeps me going with her,” Manigo said.
Williams stood shackled by her hands and feet as her attorney guided her through her first appearance.
Thursday’s court proceeding will be one of many in what could be a long and difficult legal battle.
Manigo called the national attention overwhelming and said she plans on seeing her biological parents more.
“I plan on giving them memories from here on [out],” Manigo said.
Manigo’s attorney is now working on getting her basic documents such as a driver’s license and Social Security card.
No family members or friends showed up to Williams’ court appearance. Her next court hearing is on Feb. 8.
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