Four kidnapping suspects in jail

Published 3:58 pm Friday, September 5, 2008

Four men suspected of being involved in the armed robbery and kidnapping of a Pensacola, Fla. couple are now in the Butler County Jail, according to Sheriff Kenny Harden.

Derick Lavelle Lee, 19, of Evergreen is the latest suspect to be extradited to Butler County after being located in Chicago, Il., by U.S. Marshals this past week. Also in custody are Mitchell Gandy, 20, Steven Cobb, 22, and Christopher Lett, 27.

All four men are from Conecuh County and are facing charges of first degree robbery, kidnapping and theft of property.

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The four men are alleged to have been involved in the July 17 armed robbery and kidnapping of Pensacola resident Chris Bonner and his wife in Georgiana. The kidnappers drove the couple to an isolated location on Highway 106, forced them to remove their shoes and fired guns in their direction when they fled the scene. The kidnappers stole an untold amount of money and jewelry, said Harden.

Harden said the couple identified Gandy, Cobb, Lee and Lett as their assailants from a photo lineup prepared by law enforcement officers.

“The victim was an acquaintance with one of the men, so he knew some of the others already involved,” said Harden.

Gandy was apprehended first by federal marshals in a Pensacola motel room.

Harden said Cobb initially fled to Ohio, but soon after turned himself in to authorities.

Lett was arrested at his father’s home in Conecuh County, said Harden.

The four suspects have bonds of $100,000 each.