James Schwab, 22, of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, has been federally charged for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of two individuals in Danbury, Connecticut, in August 2024.
The charges stem from a violent carjacking of a Lamborghini Urus on August 25, 2024, which led to the kidnapping of the vehicle’s two occupants. Danbury Police arrested six Florida men in connection with the incident.
READ: Body Found In Polk County Identified As Missing Lakeland Man, Howard Keen
According to court documents and statements made in court, the kidnapping victims are the parents of an individual suspected of participating in a massive cryptocurrency theft, involving hundreds of millions of dollars.
Investigators allege that Schwab, who had a prior altercation with the victims’ son at a Miami nightclub in July 2024, played a key role in the kidnapping plot. He is accused of communicating regularly with the kidnappers in the days leading up to the crime, providing funding, and arranging transportation and lodging for the participants.
READ :Search Continues For Missing Child In Florida After Boating Tragedy
Schwab was arrested on January 29, 2025, at Los Angeles International Airport upon his return from Bali. A grand jury in New Haven subsequently indicted him on one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. He pleaded not guilty on March 12, 2025, and has been detained since his arrest.
Five of the six individuals initially arrested in the carjacking and kidnapping have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Marc H. Silverman emphasized that the indictment is not evidence of guilt and that Schwab is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
READ: Florida Executes Edward James For 1993 Double Murder, Marking State’s 2nd Execution Of 2025
The FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members from the Connecticut State Police and local police departments, and the Danbury Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck is prosecuting the case.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
