A Georgia man has been charged in connection with a kidnapping incident that occurred in Danbury, Connecticut, last August. James Schwab, 22, from Peachtree Corners, Georgia, faces federal charges for his alleged role in the crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 25, 2024, six men from Florida were arrested by Danbury Police following a violent carjacking of a Lamborghini Urus and the kidnapping of two individuals inside the vehicle. The investigation revealed that the victims are parents of a person suspected of being involved in a large-scale cryptocurrency theft. Schwab reportedly had an altercation with their son at a Miami nightclub in July 2024 and was later found to have communicated regularly with some of the kidnappers before the crime. He allegedly provided funding and helped arrange transportation and lodging for those involved.
Schwab was apprehended on January 29, 2025, at Los Angeles International Airport upon returning from Bali. On February 25, a grand jury indicted him on one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, which carries a potential life sentence. Schwab pleaded not guilty during his appearance in Bridgeport federal court on March 12.
Since his arrest, Schwab has remained detained. Meanwhile, five out of the six individuals involved in the carjacking and kidnapping have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Marc H. Silverman emphasized that an indictment is not proof of guilt: "Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."
The case is under investigation by the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force and the Danbury Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck is prosecuting the case.
Silverman expressed gratitude to the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury for its cooperation in this matter.
