| For Immediate Release Case # TBA November 8, 2013 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami
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THREE DEFENDANTS ARRESTED FOR KIDNAPPING, TORTURE, AND SEXUAL MUTILATION OF MARIJUANA DISPENSARY OWNER
*One defendant fled to Iran and was arrested while traveling to Spain; a fourth man was charged in 2012 in this case
SANTA ANA – Three defendants have been arrested, including one who had fled to Iran, for the kidnapping, torture, and sexual mutilation of a marijuana dispensary owner whom they believed to be burying large amounts of cash in the desert.
Defendants Ryan Anthony Kevorkian, 34, and Naomi Josette Kevorkian, 33, were arrested today, Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, in Fresno by detectives from the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD). They are expected to be arraigned Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.
Defendant Hossein Nayeri, 34, was arrested yesterday, Nov. 7, 2013, in Prague, Czech Republic, by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents. He will face extradition proceedings in the Czech Republic at a later date to be determined.
Defendant Kyle Shirakawa Handley, 34, was arrested and charged in October 2012. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Nov. 15, 2013, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-55, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
All four defendants are charged with two felony counts of kidnapping for ransom and one felony count each of aggravated mayhem, torture, and first degree residential burglary, with a sentencing enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury. All defendants are being held without bail and face a maximum sentence of life in state prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.
This case was investigated by NBPD. The FBI assisted in the investigation by locating and arresting Nayeri. Orange County Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy is prosecuting this case.