U.S. Department
of Justice
Local Man Convicted Of Kidnapping And A Firearm Offense
Antwon D. Jenkins was found guilty today of kidnapping or aiding and abetting kidnapping and using or carrying a firearm during or in relation to the kidnapping or aiding and abetting kidnapping, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. The verdict was returned early this afternoon, following a three-day trial.
According to Court documents, Antwon D. Jenkins, was indicted in August 2012 on two counts, kidnapping or aiding and abetting kidnapping, and using or carrying a firearm during or in relation to the kidnapping or aiding and abetting kidnapping. Trial commenced on March 10, 2014, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois in East St. Louis, Illinois.
The evidence at trial showed that on July 17, 2012, Jenkins lured a young man to his house in East St. Louis, Illinois. While there, Jenkins and others brutally attacked the young man and accused him of committing a burglary on Jenkins’ second home in Cahokia. After some time, Jenkins told the young man they were going to “take that ride.” The young man was walked outside and put into Jenkins’ truck where the young man could not get out. Jenkins drove the young man across the Poplar Street Bridge and into Franklin County, Missouri. During the drive, Jenkins pulled off Highway 44 twice and threatened the young man twice at gunpoint. The second time Jenkins pulled over, he told the young man to get out of the truck so Jenkins could shoot him in the back. Fortunately, the victim ran off into the woods and escaped. Jenkins was arrested a few days later.
“This case would not have been successful without the courage and dedication of the investigators, the witnesses, the victim, and his family. It is never easy for crime victims to face their perpetrators in court, and this case was no exception. We are especially appreciative of the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Illinois State Police, the Columbia, Illinois Police Department, and the East St. Louis, Illinois, Police Department, who comprised the Save Our Streets Task Force active in the summer of 2012, and investigated this case.” noted United States Attorney Wigginton.
Jenkins faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison when he is sentenced. Sentencing has been set for June 27, 2014. The case was tried by Assistant United States Attorneys Monica A. Stump and Scott A. Verseman.