Full Notification

On Sunday August 23 at approximately 8:20 pm, Taft area deputies responded to a reported restraining order violation in the 400-block of Tyler St. The deputies were told 36-year old Taft resident BOBBY JACKSON, was also holding a male and female captive in a vehicle while trying to extort money from the male. During the course of their investigation deputies learned the 29-year old male and 24-year old female Ford City residents had been lured by the promise of drugs by female 31-year old Taft resident. The victims left their residence with the female accomplice. A short distance from their residence the female accomplice stopped and picked up JACKSON and 27-year old Taft resident JEREMY REYES. JACKSON threatened the male victim with a liquor bottle while REYES threatened the male victim with a handgun. JACKSON demanded money for the release of the couple or he would force the female to enter into prostitution for JACKSON. While circulating the area deputies initiated a traffic stop on the female accomplice’s vehicle. Inside the vehicle they found the male victim, the female accomplice, JACKSON, and REYES. While searching the vehicle deputies located an AMT brand .380 handgun and ammunition. Further investigation revealed the male victim was robbed of his cell phone during this incident. JACKSON was arrested and transported to the Central Receiving Facility Jail. REYES was transported to the Taft City Jail. Both suspects have been charged with Kidnapping, kidnapping for ransom, 1st degree robbery, exhibiting a firearm, being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a felon in possession of ammunition, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, false imprisonment with violence, criminal threats, and conspiracy. REYES was also charged with violation of Parole.