By: Richard L. Smith
A Queens, New York man has admitted his involvement in a kidnapping in Paterson, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced on Monday.
Reginald Law, 38, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court to charges of kidnapping and Hobbs Act robbery.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 8, 2020, Law and his accomplice, Maurice Cottman, entered a retail store in Paterson and accosted the victim who was working there.
The duo dragged the victim from the store, threw him into the back of a U-Haul truck, and drove from Paterson to New York.
The victim sustained serious injuries during the kidnapping.
Law admitted that he and Cottman contacted the victim's family during the ordeal, demanding a ransom for the victim's return.
Law enforcement officers spotted the U-Haul parked in Harlem, New York, later that day. When officers approached, Law and Cottman fled in the truck, leading to a vehicle pursuit.
The U-Haul eventually crashed, and while Cottman was apprehended, Law managed to escape.
The victim was found in the back of the U-Haul. Law remained a fugitive until his arrest on May 26, 2021.
The kidnapping charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, while the Hobbs Act robbery charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Both charges also carry a potential fine of $250,000 or twice the gross loss or gain, whichever is greater. Sentencing for Law is scheduled for January 7, 2025.
