Two men face life in prison after their convictions this month on charges they kidnapped a Naperville business owner in 2019, assaulted him and extorted his family to gain his release.
A federal jury convicted Sedgwick Williams, 47, of Chicago, and Tai Hon La, 34, of Beach Park, after a two-week trial this month, according to court records.
Both were found guilty of kidnapping conspiracy charges, while Williams also was convicted on additional kidnapping charges and falsely impersonating a federal law enforcement officer. La also was convicted of illegal firearm possession.
Federal authorities Williams and La plotted to kidnap the Naperville business owner outside his electronics store in October 2019, by posing as federal agents. They held the victim at gunpoint, handcuffed him and put him a car, authorities said.
The pair then burglarized the store and took the victim to a vacant property in Chicago, where they physically assaulted him and extorted his family to gain his release, according to evidence presented at the trial. The victim required hospitalization following his release, officials said.
A month later, prosecutors said Williams and La attacked a Westchester man outside his home and took another three people hostage while they stole cash and jewelry from the house.
In December, the pair attempted a third kidnapping outside a South Holland home, but the victim was able to call police before the attackers could get inside, authorities said.
Williams and La were indicted in 2020 for their part in the crimes. Two others — Ivan Ayers, 36, of Chicago and Jonathan Vargas, 38, of Chicago, also were indicted, but pleaded guilty. They are awaiting sentencing, authorities said.