CHICAGO — In a shocking verdict, a federal jury has convicted two men of participating in a violent kidnapping conspiracy that terrorized residents in the Chicago suburbs. Sedgwick Williams, 47, of Chicago, and Tai Hon La, 34, of Beach Park, IL, face life in federal prison for their roles in the heinous crimes.
According to evidence presented at trial, the first kidnapping occurred in Naperville on Oct. 17, 2019, when the conspirators posed as law enforcement officers to handcuff and abduct a man at gunpoint outside of his electronics store. The store was later burglarized, and the victim was forced into a car and transported to a vacant unit in Chicago, where he was physically assaulted and extorted by his family.
The conspirators carried out the kidnapping in Westchester on Nov. 16, 2019. Posing as DEA agents, the conspirators handcuffed and abducted a man at gunpoint outside of his residence. They forced the victim into his home, where they seized another victim and forced them both into the basement. Two other victims later arrived at the residence and were also forced into the basement at gunpoint. The conspirators stole cash and jewelry before fleeing the residence.
The conspirators attempted the third kidnapping in South Holland on Dec. 11, 2019, but they were unsuccessful because the intended victim called 911 and the South Holland Police arrived on scene before the conspirators could gain access to the house. Williams and La were arrested fleeing the South Holland residence.
Williams and La were convicted of participating in the kidnapping conspiracy and the attempted kidnapping in South Holland. Williams was also convicted on individual kidnapping counts concerning the Naperville and Westchester kidnappings, and with falsely impersonating a federal law enforcement officer. La was also convicted of illegal firearm possession.
The convictions were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The case was investigated with the assistance of the Naperville Police Department, Westchester Police Department, South Holland Police Department, Chicago Police Department, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office.
Williams and La face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Sentencings have not yet been scheduled. Two other defendants charged in the case pleaded guilty prior to trial. Ivan Ayers, 36, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to participating in the kidnapping conspiracy. Jonathan Vargas, 38, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to kidnapping the first victim in Naperville. Ayers and Vargas are awaiting sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Jodrey, Corey B. Rubenstein, and Kate McClelland. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of violent crime and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
As the Grimy Times continues to follow this case, we will provide updates on the sentencing and any additional developments. The people of Chicago and its suburbs can rest a little easier knowing that justice has been served in this case.
The verdict also highlights the exceptional work of law enforcement agencies in the Chicago area, who worked tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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