Trio Charged In 'Violent Kidnappings' In Naperville, Westchester

NAPERVILLE, IL — Three men have been charged in a series of "violent kidnappings" in Naperville and surrounding suburbs that took place in 2019.

Sedgwick Williams, 43, of Chicago, Ivan Ayers, 33, of Chicago and Tai Hon La, 31, of Beach Park, have been federally charged with kidnapping and illegal firearm and ammunition possession by a convicted felon.

Police say that on Oct. 17, 2019, the defendants posed as law enforcement to kidnap a Naperville business owner. The defendants are further accused of physically assaulting the man, extorting his family and burglarizing his business.

On Nov. 16, 2019, police say the defendants carried out a similar kidnapping in Westchester. The defendants are accused of forcing two people into a basement at gunpoint before stealing cash and jewelry from the home.

Police say the defendants tried to commit a third kidnapping in South Holland, but did not gain entry to the home.

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.