A 17-year-old from Lexington, South Carolina, who was reported as a kidnapping victim, has now been arrested for allegedly orchestrating the incident.
Teen Arrested in Connection with Alleged Kidnapping Plot
Sema’j Corvin Gardner was taken into custody on Monday night and charged with six counts of kidnapping, six counts of assault and battery in the first degree, conspiracy, pointing and presenting a weapon, and burglary in the first degree. He is being held without bond at the Lexington County Detention Center.
Incident Details and Investigation
The incident unfolded on Sunday when two Black males, armed with handguns, reportedly burglarized a home on Hendrix Street in Lexington. During the burglary, the suspects assaulted several family members ranging in age from 12 to 61 and threatened to kill them. Gardner was taken from the home during the attack, leading to an extensive search.
However, law enforcement later determined that Gardner had planned the incident, conspiring with the two male suspects in what was later revealed to be a staged kidnapping. The investigation was a joint effort between the Lexington Police Department, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI.
Arrest of 16-Year-Old Juvenile
A 16-year-old juvenile male has also been arrested in connection with the incident. He faces charges similar to Gardner’s, including six counts of kidnapping, six counts of assault and battery in the first degree, and other related charges. The juvenile is currently in custody with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.
Search for Third Suspect
Authorities are still searching for the third suspect involved in the incident. Anyone with information about the unidentified individual is urged to contact Detective Corporal Kenneth Heath at (803) 358-1557 or by email at [email protected].
The investigation is ongoing.
