Man found guilty in Montgomery Co. kidnapping case

A jury found 19-year-old Robby Bethel of Montgomery City, guilty on four counts Wednesday afternoon.

Two misdemeanor counts of violation of an order of protection, one count of kidnapping and one count of armed criminal action.

The jury was unable to agree or decide on punishment for the two misdemeanor counts.

They asked for the kidnapping count of five years be served concurrently.

The also asked for the count of armed criminal action for three years be served concurrently.

Bethel violated an order of protection when he abducted the girl near west 7th and north Walker streets in Montgomery City. The incident put several schools on lockdown.

During the trial today, the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney said, “The victim was terrorized with a gun to her head’.

According to court documents, Bethel repeatedly threatened to kill the girl.

The victim tried to get the gun away from Bethel, causing the gun to discharge a bulletinto the dashboard of the truck.

Bethel and his two parents took the stand and all three stated that he was suffering from depression and having suicidal thoughts.

His mother said, “Robby tried to take his life with pills and she had to take him to the Wentzville hospital.”

Robby stated on the stand, “The gun was intended for me, not her.”

The Prosecuting Attorney, Nathan Carroz said, “I feel the jury made the correct decision as far as sentencing and guilt.”

He also said, “I am proud of the juvenile victim. It takes a lot of courage to be in her situation.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 10th at 9 a.m.