BEAUMONT, Texas – An Orange, Texas, man, who is a now-twice convicted armed kidnapper, has been sentenced to federal prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Putnam Darwin Richardson, 79, admitted to kidnapping and brandishing a firearm and pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, 2024.
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He was sentenced to 294 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 9.
“Thanks to the quick and outstanding work of the FBI, in concert with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Orange Police Department, an innocent victim was rescued from the clutches of a gun-wielding kidnapper and returned safely home to his family, and a now-twice convicted armed kidnapper is returned home to prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “This case serves as a reminder that violent predators come in all shapes, sizes and age-ranges, and to always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.”
According to information presented in court, on July 15, 2024, a kidnapping for ransom was reported to the FBI.
The victim, a local attorney, was kidnapped at gunpoint that morning after arriving at his law office in Beaumont. according to prosecutors. The victim’s wife received a call from the victim’s cell phone, during which the kidnapper indicated the victim was being held hostage in exchange for $1 million ransom.
The kidnapper also indicated he would kill the victim if the ransom was not met.
Richardson, a former client of the victim, was identified as a suspect during the investigation.
Richardson had previously been convicted of kidnapping in 1984 and was sentenced to 50 years in prison.
On July 17, 2024, Richardson was arrested at a gas station and the victim was rescued by law enforcement authorities.