Honk News (Syracuse, NY) – Authorities in Florida dismantled an alleged scheme involving a group of individuals who reportedly intended to abduct a jeweler in Miami, demanding a ransom of $2 million in cryptocurrency.
Four individuals face serious charges including conspiracy to kidnap, attempted kidnapping, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, and attempted Hobbs Act extortion.
The arrested individuals are –
- Evan Puckett, 18.
- Tre’von Anthony Neal, 20.
- Zacary Briggs, 22.
- Aaron Hammond, 21.
A secret informant alerted federal authorities regarding the scheme on January 6. A probable cause arrest affidavit reveals that a source indicated an individual referred to as “Jack” was gathering a team of “goons” with the intention of abducting a jeweler employed at the Seybold building in downtown Miami. The individual was attempting to convert the cryptocurrency into cash.
Authorities report that the informant revealed to agents the group chat known as “Play,” frequently utilized as a code by individuals orchestrating illicit activities. One of the individuals reportedly sent a message saying, “[w]hat’s good guys … Big money easy.” Jack then replied “let’s talk ab setting it up.”
The team subsequently engaged in discussions regarding the transportation they would utilize and the kind of armaments required. A man mentioned that they would require approximately $3,500 in advance to purchase all the necessary supplies.
However, the strategy encountered a setback when one of the recently apprehended abductors claimed that the cost would be excessive. He proposed to “cover the ‘rental car expenses,'” according to the affidavit. Ultimately, two of the individuals indicated they would provide the initial funding, according to federal authorities.
The intention was to keep the individual confined “until we receive the payment.” However, they stressed that their intention was never to harm the victim, according to federal authorities. The individuals involved additionally requested that the confidential informant provide the vehicle intended for their use.
He proceeded with the action — however, it was carried out by an undercover operative, and the vehicle was equipped with cameras, a tracking device, and audio recording equipment, as reported by the FBI. The affidavit revealed that agents were monitoring the GPS locations of Puckett and Neal’s phones.
One of the individuals reportedly stated that “one knock” and “one good bop” would be sufficient to incapacitate the victim without causing any “brain damage.”
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On January 13, authorities reported that Puckett acquired two firearms: a handgun and an AR-style pistol. He reportedly shared images of the firearms with the group. Neal, Hammond, and Briggs made their way south from Central Florida. Later that day, the men approached the vehicle of interest in Broward County. The authorities were poised and ready. All four individuals were commanded to lie down; three obeyed the order. Neal attempted to flee but was swiftly caught at a local establishment, according to the affidavit.
After being informed of his rights, Puckett reportedly confessed to his involvement in the kidnapping scheme, asserting that the firearms were intended solely for self-defense. Neal allegedly claimed he was merely serving as “security” in case the robbery took a turn for the worse. Briggs stated that he was merely the driver and asserted that Neal was on his phone during the trip to South Florida.
Briggs reportedly claimed that Puckett has a reputation for defrauding individuals in exchange for digital currency. According to the affidavit, Hammond informed the authorities that the strategy involved Puckett feigning interest in purchasing a few watches, enticing the victim to a vehicle, and subsequently launching an attack on him. Hammond was reportedly identified as the individual who would make a quick exit.
All four individuals are currently incarcerated with no possibility of bail. Their next court appearance is scheduled for January 21.