The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A 14-year-old in Wisconsin was arrested and charged as an adult after authorities said he arranged the kidnapping of a 7-year-old boy who was held for ransom. Two adult accomplices were also charged in the case.
Investigators reported that the group initially intended to rob the child’s mother, believing she was carrying cash and narcotics. When she did not return home as expected, they allegedly decided to target the child’s father instead.
On the evening of July 11, the father and child came home from a park. As the father pulled into the driveway, a vehicle blocked his car from behind. According to investigators, two suspects exited the vehicle, and one of them was armed. The father ran into the home, and the child attempted to run toward the yard. Surveillance footage reportedly showed one individual chasing the child and carrying him back to the vehicle while another drove.
Police traced the vehicle to its registered owner, who reportedly told them her boyfriend had been using it. Officers went to a residence and located the 7-year-old, as well as one of the adult suspects, who was taken into custody. During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted involvement and described how the plan shifted from robbery to kidnapping. He also reportedly said the 14-year-old decided to demand money from the child’s mother in exchange for his return.
Investigators learned the child was kept overnight while the mother tried to gather funds. A review of one suspect’s phone showed repeated calls to the mother using a blocked number. A search of the teen suspect’s residence reportedly led to the recovery of a handgun he was not allowed to possess due to a prior offense.
Due to the severity of the criminal accusations, it was decided that the teenager would be charged as an adult. He is facing multiple charges, including forcible kidnapping, taking hostages as a party to a crime, possession of a firearm by an adjudicated delinquent, and possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18 in the abduction of the victim. At the time this was written, it was reported that he was being held in lieu of a $100,000 cash bond.
The child, who was unharmed, later told authorities he was given food, allowed to watch television, and provided items to play with.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.