Kidnapping Leader From Detroit Gets Life In Prison For 2015 Conspiracy
INDIANAPOLIS (WWJ/AP) - A Detroit man has been sentenced in federal court for leading an Indianapolis kidnapping conspiracy.
U.S. District Chief Judge Richard Young sentenced John Thomas on Thursday to life in prison without parole. The 40-year-old was previously convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
Testimony in court indicated that Thomas was a drug dealer from Detroit. On February 28, 2015, authorities say Thomas' former girlfriend stole a large quantity of narcotics and cash from drug sales, and fled to Indianapolis with her minor child. Days later, Thomas and other members of the conspiracy traveled to Indianapolis in search of his ex-girlfriend.
On March 2, 2015, members of the conspiracy conducted a home invasion on LaSalle Street in Indianapolis and kidnapped the woman's minor siblings, and transported them to Detroit and Kentucky, holding them for ransom. They used a hood to prevent one victim from identifying members of the conspiracy and used zip-ties to prevent his escape. They later cut the victim's fingers to compel him to reveal the location of Thomas's ex-girlfriend, along with the drugs and money she took.
An Amber Alert was issued for the children following their abductions. Both victims were returned safely following Thomas' arrest.
"Mr. Thomas is a career criminal with previous convictions in Detroit for home invasions and drug trafficking," Josh Minkler,U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, said in a statement. "When Thomas came to Indianapolis to kidnap two children, law enforcement ensured that his career would come to an end-permanently. Thomas will not sell any more drugs, he will not break into anyone's home, and will not kidnap any more children."
Five others -- 24-year-old Alaa "Big Boy" Al-Salehi, 27-year-old April Sandell, 22-year-old Bernando "C-Note" Reeves, 24-year-old Mohammed "MJ" Karkash, and 28-year-old Ali Hussain Ashore -- have pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and sent to prison from 18 months to 11 years.
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