RALEIGH -- An indictment was handed down Tuesday from federal authorities against the group that allegedly kindapped 63-year-old Frank Janssen from his Wake Forest home. The indictment alleges the kidnappers went to the wrong home.
According to the documents, the target of the kidnapping was Janssen's daughter - who is a Wake County Assistant District Attorney. Officials say Colleen Janssen was targeted by 49-year-old Kelvin Melton - an imprisoned member of the Bloods gang. Melton allegedly masterminded the kindapping from his jail cell in Butner using a smuggled phone.
A federal grand jury handed up nine indictments in the case Tuesday. In addition to Melton, the group charged includes: Jenna Paulin Martin, 21, Tiana Maynard - AKA "Tiana Brooks," 21, Jevante Price - AKA "Flame," 21, Michael Montreal Gooden - AKA "Hot," 22, Clifton James Roberts, 29, Jakym Camek Tibbs -AKA "Jak," 21, Quantavious Thompson - AKA "Quan," 18, Patricia Kramer (not in custody).
The kidnappers started making demands to the Janssen family by text message, once they arrived in Atlanta. The messages included a photo of him tied to a chair in a closet and said he would be killed if the demands weren't met.
A special FBI team located and rescued Janssen April 10, shortly after Melton allegedly told the kidnappers to kill Janssen.
All nine defendants face federal kidnapping and firearm charges. If convicted, they face the possibility of a maximum sentence of life without parole and a $250,000 fine.
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