2 Suspects Face Kidnapping Charges After Boy, 2, Abandoned at Mississippi Goodwill Donation Center

Two people have been charged in the alleged kidnapping of a2-year-old boy abandoned at a Goodwill donation centerin Mississippi.

Child left at Goodwill donation center in Southaven, Mississippi.Southaven Police Department

“While Fitzgerald and the child’s mother were in Nashville, Fitzgerald demanded that the child’s mother work for him as a prostitute,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges in the release. “When she refused, Fitzgerald left her in Nashville. He did not answer her repeated telephone calls.”

“Fitzgerald did, however, speak to the child’s aunt. In that conversation, Fitzgerald demanded money for the return of the child. Turner was aware that Fitzgerald had demanded money in exchange for the child’s return,” the release alleges.

Suspect with abandoned child.Southaven Police Department

Suspect seen with abandoned child.Southaven Police Department

Both she and Fitzgerald were arrested.

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An employee at the Goodwill centerearlier toldWREG that the man had said “the child’s mother couldn’t care for him” before leaving.

The note left with the toddler reportedly read: “child abandoned … no phone number for mom.”

If convicted of the kidnapping charges, each of the two defendants faces a possible sentence of 20 years and up to life in federal prison, five years to life of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Attorneys for Fitzgerald and Turner were not immediately identified and it was unclear if either suspect has entered a plea.

source: people.com