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Careers: Police/jurisdiction infant kidnapping

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Expert: - 10/31/2011


Question
In my story an infant is taken from the maternity ward by a nonfamily member for ransom and the FBI initiates the investigation via the Special Agent in the field office in Las Vegas.  Questions: (1) is it correct for the FBI to initiate the investigation in cooperation with local police, (2) if kidnapper is caught but infant is returned unharmed, is she tried in Las Vegas criminal court or federal court; and (3) what would the likely minimum sentence be?

Thank you so much!

Answer
Helen,

Kidnapping for ransom is a federal offense so the FBI could be the lead agency in your case.  However the local police would be involved before the FBI was ever notified.  No one calls the FBI when a crime occurs.  They pick up the phone and call 911 and the police respond.

The case could be tried in either the federal court or the local court since the crime is both a federal crime and a state crime but I would bet that the feds would take it since their courts move faster and the sentences are longer.

The minimum sentence, like for all other crimes, would be probation.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

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