Mount Vernon Man Charged in April Kidnapping, Robbery

A Mount Vernon man faces numerous charges as the result of an alleged April kidnapping.

Westchester County District Attorney Jane DiFiore announced Friday the 17-count indictment of Andre Jones, 23, of Locust Street in Mount Vernon.

The charges are related to the alleged abduction and robbery of Ricardo Panton.

Jones was charged with the following:

• One count of second-degree kidnapping, a class "B" felony
• Three counts of first-degree robbery, class "B" felonies
• Three counts of first-degree attempted robbery, class "C" felonies
• Three counts of second-degree robbery, class "C" felonies
• Three counts of second-degree attempted robbery, class "D" felonies
• One count of first-degree unlawful imprisonment, a class "E" felony
• Three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, class "E" felonies

According to the indictment, shortly after midnight April 9, 2013, Jones, along with an unapprehended male accomplice, pointed what appeared to be a firearm at Panton and forced him back into his Lexus, which he parked at a market on West 1st Street in Mount Vernon.

Jones told Panton that he must have money since he drove a Lexus and took him to various JP Morgan Chase Bank ATMs throughout Mount Vernon and New Rochelle.

Panton couldn't withdraw the money because his funds would not clear until later in the morning.

Jones and his accomplice tied Panton up and put him in the trunk of the car. They drove him around for a period of time, finally letting him out to once again try to withdraw money.

Panton was eventually able to access $1,000, and after about eight hours, he was let go, though his cellphone and Social Security card were taken.

Jones was identified in a photo array April 15, 2013. He was questioned by Mount Vernon detectives and then placed under arrest.

DiFiore said Panton's presence of mind and common sense actions likely saved his life and aided detectives in identifying Jones.

"Being accosted, imprisoned and driven around all night with a gun pointed at one's head is the true definition of a nightmare," she said.

Jones' bail was sent at $350,000 cash or bond. His next court date is November 27.

He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in state prison if convicted.