Somerset County Man Pleads Guilty To Kidnapping Charge

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Windber, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of kidnapping, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Lawrence R. Horner, III, 37, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 9, 2011, Horner kidnaped a person whose identity is known and referred to as "L.N.," and did willfully travel and transport L.N. in interstate commerce in commission of the kidnaping offense.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Jan. 7, 2014, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Richland Township Police Department and the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Horner.