It’s a scenario more common to developing countries like Colombia and Mexico, where riding in armored cars with bodyguards is the norm for upper-class families. But now a Florida family with no ties to organized crime have found themselves in the thick of a ransom kidnapping crisis.
The parents of 26 year-old Robert Wiles have made a public plea and reward of $250,000 for the safe return of their son, kidnapped exactly one month ago while working at an airport for his family’s maintenance company. The young man’s parents, Pam and Thomas Wiles said through tears that, "We want him back. We love him. We miss him."
Mr. Wiles said his kidnapping came with a note promising bodily harm if terms were not met exactly as specified. Officials are not releasing the name or specifics of the note to prevent copycats, only stating that it was a name that was specific and unusual.
Local FBI officials say that kidnappings like these are extremely rare. Robert Wiles as last seen at National Flight Services at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport