Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced charges against James Schwab, a 22-year-old from Peachtree Corners, Georgia. Schwab faces federal charges related to a kidnapping incident in Danbury in August 2024.
According to court documents and statements, on August 25, 2024, six men from Florida were arrested by Danbury Police for a violent carjacking involving a Lamborghini Urus and the kidnapping of its two occupants. The victims are reportedly the parents of an individual suspected of stealing hundreds of millions in cryptocurrency. Schwab allegedly had an altercation with their son at a Miami nightclub in July 2024 and was in communication with some kidnappers before the crime. He is accused of funding the operation and arranging transportation and lodging for participants.
Schwab was arrested 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 could result in life imprisonment if convicted. He pleaded not guilty during his appearance in Bridgeport federal court on March 12, 2025.
Schwab remains detained since his arrest. Five out of six individuals involved have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman emphasized that an indictment does not equate to guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise beyond reasonable doubt.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force and the Danbury Police Department with assistance from Connecticut State Police and local departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck is prosecuting the case.
Silverman expressed gratitude towards the State’s Attorney’s Office for their cooperation in this matter.