University of Alabama ex-freshman forward Devonta Pollard is one of seven people facing charges in the conspiracy to kidnap a six-year old Mississippi girl, according to the Associated Press. The kidnapping was part of a maneuver to win an argument over property.
According to prosecutors, the group’s ringleader was Pollard’s mother, Jessie Mae Brown Pollard. The plan was to kidnap the little girl to force her mother to concede in the argument.
According to authorities, there was a time when the conspirators asked for a $50,000 ransom.
Jessie Mae is looking at life in prison. Devonta and the other five are could spend as much as five years in prison. Devonta was released by authorities on $10,000 bond.
According to Lisa Ross, Devonta’s attorney, the ex-forward plans to attend East Mississippi Community College.
"We intend to defend him vigorously," said Ross. "Of course he's concerned about his future, athletics aside. He's concerned about his liberty."
The scheme was scheduled to happen on April 30, according to the prosecution.
Jessie Mae was allegedly accompanied by another woman as they picked up the girl from East Kemper Elementary school. Later, after going to a hotel, they sent her mother a text saying, “don't call the police I will call you later if you call the police u won't see her again."
Agents from the Federal Bureau of investigation later located receipts for both the hotel and the cellphone Pollard purchased to send the text. They were found in Jessie Mae’s car.
Authorities were able to find the girl and she has been reunited with her mother.
The other five alleged members were: Wanda Faye Dancy, James Johnigan, Joyce Johnigan, Shaquayla Johnigan, and Shamarious Ruffin. There was no immediate indication of how all seven knew each other.
