UMVA has learned that three Michigan men have been charged with a brutal kidnapping and extortion plot that unfolded in a Las Vegas hotel.
The men, all in their early thirties, were arrested on Wednesday on a litany of serious allegations: first‑degree kidnapping, extortion, conspiracy, battery with intent to commit mayhem, robbery or grand larceny, and coercion with force or threats.
During court proceedings, the accused were identified as a dentist from Dearborn, a disc jockey, and a physical therapist, each with seemingly ordinary day jobs that now hang in the balance of a shocking crime.
They lured a New York resident into a room at the MGM Grand, where he was violently beaten, strangled with a pillow, gagged, and locked in a closet.
After the assault, the trio demanded a hefty sum from the victim’s father, claiming he owed gambling debts. The first demand was $185,000, but the suspect later claimed the debt was $325,000.
A short video call was made to the father, showing his son on his knees and delivering a chilling demand: “Listen, your son scammed me of 185K in fake sports bets. I want my money, period.”
The men also began photographing the victim’s family and friends, gathering personal data and threatening harm if the debt was not paid.
During the hearing, the dentist’s attorney defended him as an upstanding citizen, insisting his client had no part in the alleged gambling scheme.
The physical therapist’s lawyer hinted that the case would unfold further, promising more revelations as the investigation deepens.
All three suspects were granted bail of $100,000 each and ordered to have no contact with the victim.
