Six Individuals Charged in Kidnapping and Torture Case
MAUMEE, Ohio (WTVG/Gray News) – Six individuals have been charged with multiple offenses in connection with the alleged kidnapping and torture of a 26-year-old man, according to Ohio police.
Details of the Incident
Authorities believe the victim was taken against his will on March 14 and held for more than a week at a Red Roof Inn located in Maumee, Ohio.
During his captivity, the victim reportedly endured severe physical abuse. The suspects are accused of attacking him with a baseball bat, forcing him to stand for long periods, and limiting his food and drink to just once a day. Over the entire week, the victim was only able to sleep for about 10 hours.
Police Findings
According to Maumee Chief of Police Josh Sprow, “He was subjected to extreme torture and assault throughout the week. His injuries included multiple fractured bones, resulting from being struck with fists, elbows, and a baseball bat.”
The suspects occasionally allowed the victim to leave, which ultimately led to his escape. On March 21, he was permitted to visit a Speedway convenience store where he reached out to an acquaintance who then contacted his mother.
Rescue and Arrests
The victim’s mother hurried to the Red Roof Inn to assist her son, prompting a call to the local police. Officers obtained warrants and started surveillance of the hotel, which culminated in the arrest of the six suspects.
Following the ordeal, the victim was taken to a hospital, where he is expected to recover despite sustaining numerous injuries across his body.
Suspects and Charges
The arrested suspects include one woman and five men: Martina Jones, Aaron Bradshaw, Austin Bradshaw, David Cessna, Michael Esqueda, and Chance Johnston. The relationship between the victim and the suspects remains unclear, and authorities have yet to establish whether the incident was random or had a motive.
Chief Sprow commented on the unusual dynamic, noting that, “It’s clearly a strange situation when multiple adult men are involved with one woman while perpetrating such a serious crime.” Evidence suggests that Jones played a pivotal role in orchestrating the kidnapping and assault.
The group reportedly had plans to flee the area but were apprehended before they could escape. During a court appearance on Monday, the judge set each suspect’s bond at $200,000. Subsequently, all six were indicted by a grand jury, facing serious charges including one count of kidnapping, three counts of felonious assault, and two counts of tampering with evidence.
