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Franklin Joseph Ryle Jr., Kidnapping, Wyoming 2009
A shocking display of abuse of power has rocked the law enforcement community in Wyoming, as Franklin Joseph Ryle Jr., a former Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper, pleaded guilty to depriving a motorist of his constitutional right to be free from unreasonable seizures by kidnapping him. Ryle also pleaded guilty to one count of using his firearm in relation to the crime.
According to court documents, on January 8, 2009, Ryle stopped a Wal-Mart truck on an isolated stretch of Interstate 25, a few miles southeast of Douglas, Wyoming. Ryle, who was working on duty at the time, falsely told the driver that there was a warrant for his arrest, handcuffed him, and placed him in the patrol car.
Ryle then drove away from the scene with the victim, in a failed attempt to stage an accident that would either injure him or kill his wife, allowing him to seek a monetary settlement from Wal-Mart.
The investigation into Ryle’s actions was conducted by Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation agents Mike Carlson and Darrin Cregger, as well as FBI Special Agent Richard Fanelli. The case is being prosecuted by Civil Rights Division Trial Attorneys Edward Caspar and Christopher Lomax.
Ryle’s actions are a stark reminder of the dangers of police corruption and the importance of holding law enforcement officials accountable for their actions.
A sentencing hearing for Ryle has not yet been scheduled.
Key Facts
- State: Wyoming
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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