OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - A local judge has set a bond of $10 million each for 19-year-old Juantez Ruffin and 18-year-old James Barnes following their arrest on kidnapping and felony child abuse charges over the weekend in Omaha.
According to prosecutors, Ruffin and Barnes were allegedly armed when they approached two children — aged nine and ten years old — near 40th and Grand streets. The suspects reportedly ordered the young victims into a car under threat of harm if they did not comply with their demands. Prosecutors described this incident as "any parent’s worst nightmare," emphasizing the severity of the charges.
The investigation revealed that the two children did not know Ruffin or Barnes prior to the encounter, and were unaware of any plans involving retribution against them. The teens are accused of threatening violence if the victims failed to assist in what investigators believe was a premeditated scheme for revenge.
No additional details regarding the alleged plan have been released by law enforcement at this time, and further information about potential motives or other individuals involved remains unclear based on current reports. Prosecutors continue to gather evidence as they prepare their case against Ruffin and Barnes.
The high bond amount underscores the seriousness of the charges and reflects concerns over public safety during ongoing investigations into these allegations.