Man Charged in Criminal Complaint with Interstate Kidnapping

HAMMOND- Randy Smith, 24, recently of Golden Valley, Minnesota, was charged in a criminal complaint with interstate kidnapping, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

U.S. Attorney Kirsch says, “The speedy charges filed in this matter represent the responsiveness of our law enforcement partners to investigate violent crime. Our strong commitment to investigating and prosecuting senseless violent crimes will always remain.”

The criminal complaint alleges that on the morning of December 5, 2018, a victim in Lafayette, Indiana, was kidnapped against her will and under threat of death or serious bodily injury, held for ransom, and transported to Illinois by individuals including Randy Smith.  On the evening of December 5, law enforcement stopped a vehicle in Illinois containing the victim and Smith, at which time Smith was taken into custody. 

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lafayette Police Department, and investigators with the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Mahoney.