ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A Georgia woman is headed to federal prison after a harrowing kidnapping and robbery of a 71-year-old victim. Stephanie Miranda Neace, 32, of Blairsville, Georgia, received an 84-month sentence today, followed by five years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina. The case paints a disturbing picture of predatory behavior and callous disregard for a vulnerable individual.
The ordeal began November 30, 2023, when the victim, driving from Georgia to North Carolina, offered a ride to Neace and her accomplice, Jordan Nathaniel Hedden. What started as an act of kindness quickly turned sinister. After crossing into North Carolina, Hedden directed the victim to drive to a location where a supposed vehicle awaited. When no car appeared, Hedden forcibly took control, ordering the victim into the back seat. Evidence presented at trial revealed Hedden appeared heavily intoxicated and agitated, quickly spiraling into paranoia.
The victim was subjected to a terrifying ride as Hedden ranted and demanded money. He even accused her of having a tracking device, leading to a frantic search of the vehicle and the victim herself. Her phone was seized and disabled, cutting off her lifeline to the outside world. When the victim revealed she only had $2, Hedden forced her to drive to an ATM in Tennessee, threatening her safety if she contacted the police. The victim, desperately seeking escape, cleverly negotiated with Hedden, promising the money in exchange for being left safely at a gas station.
At the gas station, the victim seized her chance. Grabbing her purse and car key fob, she made a daring run for help, screaming for assistance as she approached the door. Hedden attempted to flee in the car, but without the key fob, the vehicle remained immobile. Both Hedden and Neace then bolted on foot, disappearing into the woods, but were later apprehended by authorities. Jordan Nathaniel Hedden was previously sentenced in April to 121 months in prison for his role in the kidnapping.
“This case highlights the importance of vigilance and the bravery of the victim who managed to escape a terrifying situation,” said James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina. Neace will remain in federal custody, awaiting placement by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Don Gast and Alexis Solheim of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville. This sentencing sends a clear message: preying on vulnerable citizens will not be tolerated.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking on the road and the importance of personal safety. The victim’s quick thinking and courage were instrumental in bringing these criminals to justice, but the trauma of this ordeal will undoubtedly linger.
Related Federal Cases
- Abigail Lee Kemp, Larry Gilmore Sentenced in $4M Jewelry Heists · North Carolina
- Armed Jewelry Thief Charged in Interstate Heist · North Carolina
- Armed Jewelry Theft Suspect Charged in Florida · North Carolina
- Moonshine Mayhem: Prohibition Fails as Tennessee’s Wild West Continues · North Carolina
- Hernandez-Velazquez Gets 15+ Years for Brutal Sex Trafficking · Mississippi
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime