A Bellevue woman has been charged for allegedly leaving the country and fleeing to Japan with her 6-year-old son, who she lost in a custody battle during her divorce.

King County prosecutors issued a warrant for the arrest of Michiyo Imoto Morehouse, 42 this week.

According to charging documents Morehouse was divorced from her husband in 2007, and upon finalization of the proceedings the ex-husband was awarded custody of the child.

The ex-husband was worried at the time that Morehouse would attempt to flee the country, so an order was attached saying that Morehouse could not leave the state with the child.

On May 25, Morehouse bought two airline tickets to Japan, which the ex-husband fought in court. He was again victorious, but Morehouse left the country on June 23 and has not returned.

Morehouse left her keys at the home of a friend. The friend and Morehouse’s former employer searched her home, which was in disarray and partially packed up, according to charging documents. They then called the police who initiated the investigation.

Investigators have attempted to contact Morehouse several times, according to charging papers, but all outreaches have gone unanswered.

The court concluded that Morehouse is intentionally avoiding contact in order to stay hidden and remain with her son.

Prosecutors recommended the warrant lead to $250,000 bail.