July 2, 2010

KANSAS CITY MAN WHO TRIED TO WAYLAY TRAVELERS CONVICTED OF KIDNAPPING

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Jason E. Frazier, 29, Kansas City, Kan., has been convicted on kidnapping and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said today.

A jury found Frazier guilty on one count of kidnapping, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, and one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that on Oct. 29, 2009, Samuel Schwer and his adult daughter, Katrina Schwer, were riding in separate vehicles when they became lost while driving from the American Royal at 1701 American Royal Drive in Kansas City, Mo., to the Marriott Hotel at 200 West 12th in Kansas City, Mo. They pulled into Paseo Express at 1500 Truman Road to ask for directions, where they were approached by Frazier. Frazier told them that for gas money he would lead them to the Marriott. They agreed, and left the gas station following Frazier, who was driving a 1995 Acura Legend.

When the Schwers became concerned that Frazier was not leading them in the right direction, they pulled to the side of the road in the 500 block of Central Avenue, in Kansas City, Kansas. As they tried to turn around, Frazier pulled in behind Katrina Schwer. He approached her vehicle on foot, carrying a pistol. He leaned into the driver’s window, grabbed her by the shirt and pointed the gun at her chest, yelling, “Get out of the car. Get out of the car.” Seeing this, her father backed his vehicle toward Frazier. He yelled for his daughter to drive way, which she did, with her father following.

They stopped at a Stop & Go at 701 Central, thinking they had lost Frazier. When Frazier drove up again, Katrina Schwer sped off westbound on Central Avenue with Frazier pursuing her. Her father followed. At 12th and Central Frazier pulled alongside Katrina Schwer’s car. He shouted, “Get in my car.” Her father maneuvered his car in front of Frazier’s car and backed into the front end of Frazier’s car, disabling Frazier’s car. Her father flagged down Kansas City, Kan., Police Department officers, who located Frazier and arrested him.

Because of his prior convictions for felony theft, aggravated assault, aggravated escape from custody while held on a felony, attempted aggravated battery with intentional great bodily harm and possession of cocaine, Frazier was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Sentencing is set for Sept. 28, 2010. He faces a maximum penalty of life and a fine up to $250,000 on the kidnapping charge. Welch commended the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead for their work on the case.