Two siblings from Decatur have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for kidnapping a local businessman in 2022. Ademeko Maclin-Carney, aged 26, received a thirty-year sentence, while her brother Ausarian Carney, aged 23, was sentenced to twenty-four years. Both sentences will be followed by supervised release.
The trial revealed that Maclin-Carney lured the victim under false pretenses to an abandoned house in Decatur. There, she attacked him with pepper spray and her brother threatened him with a firearm. The victim was restrained and moved to various locations while the kidnappers demanded $400,000 for his release.
Despite instructions not to contact authorities, the victim's wife called the police. The siblings later abandoned the victim tied up in a van from which he managed to escape and seek help at a nearby business.
The investigation led by the Decatur Police Department uncovered significant evidence linking both siblings to the crime. This included fingerprints found on a notebook listing details of their plan and traces of pepper spray used against the victim.
U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn presided over the sentencing on March 5, 2025. He highlighted that neither sibling showed remorse and noted that Maclin-Carney had prior violent felony convictions.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore emphasized the severity of their actions: “The defendants’ violent kidnapping of the victim in this case shows their avarice for ill-gotten gains at any cost.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan D. Freres praised law enforcement's efforts and acknowledged the courage shown by the victims during this ordeal.
Decatur Police Chief Shane Brandel commended investigators' dedication: “This case is a testament to...the outstanding dedication and collaboration between [law enforcement agencies].” FBI Springfield Field Office Acting Special Agent Karen Marinos also recognized these collaborative efforts as key in bringing justice for the victim.
The statutory penalty for kidnapping can reach life imprisonment with additional supervised release terms.