Kidnapping suspect remains in federal custody

A 79-year-old Orange area man remains in federal custody without bond in the alleged kidnapping of a local attorney.

Putnam Darwin Richardson is charged with federal violations related to the kidnapping of attorney Mel Shelaner.

Richardson appeared in federal court July 23 and was ordered detained until the conclusion of the case, according to information from the Eastern District of Texas.

Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn denied bail saying Richardson was a flight risk and danger to the community.

According to information presented in court, on July 15, an alleged kidnapping for ransom was reported to the FBI.  The victim, a local attorney, was reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint that morning after arriving at his law office in Beaumont.

The victim’s wife received a call from the victim’s cell phone, during which the kidnapper indicated the victim was being held hostage in exchange for a $1 million ransom.  The kidnapper indicated he would kill the victim if the ransom was not met.  Richardson, a former client of the victim, was identified as a suspect during the investigation.

Richardson had previously been convicted of kidnapping in 1984 and was sentenced to 50 years in prison.  On July 17, Richardson was arrested at a gas station and the victim was rescued by law enforcement authorities.  If convicted, Richardson faces up to life in federal prison.

Shelander Law Offices offered thanks on social media July 19 to the FBI Beaumont Resident Agency and agents that traveled from Houston and other areas, Beaumont Police Department, Orange Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts in rescuing Mel Shelander after his kidnapping.

“We cannot thank them enough for the professionalism and compassion they displayed over the past few days” the post read.

This case is being investigated by the FBI, the Beaumont Police Department, the Orange Police Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.

A complaint or indictment is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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