Photo Courtesy of WTOL/CBS News

The search continues for 9-year-old Andrew, 7-year-old Alexander and 5-year-old Tanner Skelton.  The three boys haven't been seen since Thanksgiving Day.  The mother of the boys, Tanya Skelton reported them missing on November 26th when their father did not drop them off after a court-ordered visitation at his Morenci home.

Roxanne and William Skelton visited their son, John, at the Lucas County jail in Toledo on Wednesday.  They spoke for about 30 minutes via a video monitor.  The grandparents of the three Michigan boys then told reporters that the boys' father, John Skelton, had assured them the children are safe.  He insisted that he is protecting them from their mother, who Skelton claims has been sexually abusing them.  Tanya Skelton is on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry for her 1998 conviction for having a relationship with a 14-year-old neighbor boy. 

Authorities suspended the volunteer search for the boys last weekend, and say they are continuing to check out tips but don't expect a positive outcome to the case.

 Police have said John Skelton lied to investigators when he said he gave the boys to a female acquaintance to hand over to their mother before he tried to commit suicide.  John, an unemployed truck driver, is fighting extradition to Michigan to face parental kidnapping charges.  He is jailed on a $3 million bond and due in court for an extradition hearing next week.

More From Cars 108