Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping, Torture

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Gerald L. Holmes, also known as “Jerry” or “Joker,” 26, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, one count of kidnapping, one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana and one count of brandishing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Co-defendant Randal G. Holmes, also known as “Peckerwood” or “Wood,” 54, the father of Gerald Holmes, pleaded guilty on July 10, 2018 to the same charges as his son – one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, one count of kidnapping, one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana and one count of brandishing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

According to today’s plea agreement, co-conspirators purchased at least 120 pounds of marijuana from a source in Colorado, for which they made more than a dozen trips between Colorado and Kansas City. Gerald Holmes paid their source between $1,600 to $2,400 per pound, depending on the type and quality of marijuana available.

Bond, 40, of Independence, pleaded guilty on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2018, to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. He invested $10,000 into the marijuana operation and received $1,000 a week as interest and free marijuana until the entire principal investment was repaid in full.

The conspiracy, which lasted from May 1 to Sept. 13, 2016, involved the kidnapping and torture of an Independence man. Gerald and Randal Holmes agreed to kidnap C.H. because he stole money that was intended for the purchase of marijuana. They took C.H. to Randal Holmes’s residence, where he was met by a third co-conspirator. C.H. was taken to the basement, where Gerald Holmes continued to assault him with fists, a hammer and tin snips/clippers.

Law enforcement officers were able to trace the telephone call and on Sept. 13, 2016, officers were able to locate C.H. and arrest Gerald and Randal Holmes. Officers observed that C.H. had suffered multiple, visible injuries to his face, head, hands and feet. Officers noted that C.H. had trouble walking, that his face was black and blue, as well as swollen with traces of dried blood.