A federal jury in Asheville found Stephanie Miranda Neace, a 32-year-old resident of Blairsville, Georgia, guilty of kidnapping and robbery of an elderly victim. This was announced by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The incident took place in 2023. Neace’s co-defendant, Jordan Nathaniel Hedden, 31, from Murphy, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and is scheduled for sentencing on April 14.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson stated, "This was a frightening crime against an elderly victim who was just trying to help out of the kindness of her heart. People who commit crimes like this affect how we treat one another, and we are committed to bringing them to justice."
The case details reveal that on November 30, 2023, a 71-year-old woman offered a ride to Neace and Hedden while driving from Georgia to North Carolina due to the cold weather. Once in North Carolina, Hedden directed the woman to drive to his car, which was not at the location. Subsequently, Hedden forcibly took control of the car and made the victim sit in the back seat.
Trial evidence indicated Hedden, appearing high and agitated, became suspicious that the victim possessed a tracking device. After searching the car and the victim, Neace and Hedden disabled the victim's phone. The victim was coerced to suggest going to an ATM to withdraw money or they could leave her safely at a gas station. At the gas station, she managed to flee and seek help, while Hedden attempted but failed to restart the car without the key fob. Both Neace and Hedden escaped on foot and were apprehended days later.
Neace faces a potential life sentence for the kidnapping conviction. Hedden, who had confessed to the kidnapping last November, remains in custody with Neace, awaiting their sentences.
Attorney Ferguson commended the FBI for their investigative efforts. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Don Gast and Alexis Solheim from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville. "This was a frightening crime against an elderly victim who was just trying to help out of the kindness of her heart," said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. "People who commit crimes like this affect how we treat one another, and we are committed to bringing them to justice."