LONDON, KY (February 10, 2022) - A former Clay County, Kentucky man is one four defendants in a southeastern Kentucky kidnapping that's awaiting sentencing in federal court.
Stephen S. Jewell, 38, of London, KY and Joshua Mills, 38, (Right-Photo credit: Laurel County Correctional Center) listed as homeless previously entered guilty pleas in a kidnapping case where two victims were kidnapped in Whitley County, KY.
Two other defendants have now been convicted of Violent Kidnapping by federal juries sitting in London.
Jake Messer, 38, was convicted on Thursday morning, after a three-day trial and George Oscar Messer, 68, was convicted on Thursday, January 13, 2022, after his three-day trial. (Messers - Photo credits: Laurel County Correctional Center)
According to trial evidence, the kidnappings were motivated by a drug transaction that went off track. The Messers kidnapped two victims, in Rockholds, and transported them to a remote trailer in Manchester. There, the victims were held for approximately 24 hours, during which time they were interrogated. One victim was repeatedly sexually assaulted.
The defendants will appear for sentencing as follows:
- Jake Messer on May 31, 2022
- George Oscar Messer on May 11, 2022
- Joshua Mills on May 16, 2022
- Stephen S. Jewell on May 6, 2022
Each defendant faces a maximum of Life in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing the sentence.
SOURCE: Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Kentucky
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