Before he could get to Florida, federal investigators nabbed an Illinois man who was planning to kidnap a boy from Fort Lauderdale. A criminal complaint was filed Sunday alleging that Devontay Shields, 35, of Danville, was arrested at Chicago’s Union Station carrying children’s toys and zip ties.
Shields reportedly described his plan to abduct a “little boy” in exchange for a $100,000 ransom; the victims seemed to be young people from wealthy households. Shield’s evil plan was revealed: We just need to pick up a child and hold them, but it must be a younger child as we can entice them with toys and candy when we pick them up from school. According to CBS 12, he explained his decision to attend the specific school by saying, “All the parents are rich there, I sent you what they pay for each child bro.”
At first, Shields intended to go to Miami before continuing north to Fort Lauderdale. Agents at the Chicago train station discovered Shields with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figure and a “Lankybox” stuffed toy in addition to the menacing zip ties, indicating that he was ready to lure a youngster.
According to NBC Miami, a cooperating defendant and a Justice Department source revealed their conversations during the investigation that resulted in Shields’ arrest last Monday, November 11. In an attempt to obtain a ransom, Shields allegedly made incriminating statements to someone he thought was an accomplice but was actually working with law authorities, explaining his plans to “get me a little boy” and his desire for $1,000.
In addition to the toys and zip ties, Shields reportedly bought a BB gun and made travel and accommodation plans in the days before his arrest, making his preparations even more serious given the ransom demand. However, Shields eventually acknowledged that he had actually acquired those materials himself. When detectives contacted him after his arrest, Shields initially blamed his brother-in-law, stating he was unaware of the kidnapping plot and describing the traveling and such gadgets as gifts for his nephew.
Shields faces attempted kidnapping charges and faces a potential 20-year prison sentence if found guilty.
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