Missing Michigan Boys Update: Father, John Skelton, Waives Extradition, Heads Back Home from Ohio

TOLEDO, Ohio (CBS/AP) John Skelton, the father of three Michigan boys who have been missing since Thanksgiving, waived extradition at a hearing Tuesday and will return to the state from Ohio to face parental kidnapping charges.

PICTURES: Missing Children, Where are They?

Skelton, who appeared in a Toledo, Ohio courtroom in a wheelchair, and wearing handcuffs and chains around his waist,  was then driven away by Morenci, Mich. police Chief Larry Weeks and another officer.

According to The Detroit Free Press, assistant Lucas County, Ohio prosecutor Jeff Lingo said he did not know why Skelton waived extradition, but said he was not surprised by the decision.

"He was going back, in my opinion, one way or the other," he told The Free Press.

Nine-year-old Andrew, 7-year-old Alexander and 5-year-old Tanner Skelton haven't been seen since Thanksgiving Day. The boys' mother, Tanya Skelton, reported them missing Nov. 26 when their father didn't return them after a court-ordered visitation at his home in Morenci.

John Skelton told authorities that he had turned the boys over to a female acquaintance to hand over to their mother before he tried to commit suicide; however, police investigated his claim and said the woman does not exist.

Although Skelton reportedly told his parents during a jailhouse visit that the boys were safe and in hiding, authorities suspended the volunteer search last weekend, and say they are continuing to check out tips but don't expect a positive outcome to the case.

Lucas County Common Pleas Court Judge Cook kept Skelton's bond at $3 million.

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE MISSING MICHIGAN BOYS ON CRIMESIDER